Déjà vu – Future of the Unique in question again

Yesterday the city announced that they have notified Bobby Hartslief that the Unique Theater building has been deemed unsafe.  They have given him 90 days to correct the structural issues or demolish the building.

We are currently waiting to hear Mr Hartslief’s plan of action, and hope that it ensures the future of this landmark structure.  However the current foreclosure status of his 123 G Street Sherman Hotel building casts doubt on his ability to respond to the financial needs of the the Unique.

90 days does not allow much time for alternative actions if Hartslief is unable to stabilize the structure.  When the building was deemed unsafe in 2007 many in the community rallied to help save the Unique from the wrecking ball, prior to Hartslief’s actions to stabilize it at that time. If needed, can a community group organize, raise the funding and complete the work in time?

What do you think should or can be done to ensure the survival of the Unique?  Do you think the city should step in to save it?  Is it even worth saving?  Leave your thoughts in the comment area on down this page.

Steve Stucko

Steve Stucko

Steve is currently writing, traveling and baking bread here in Salida. With a long career in engineering and management, he has spent a majority of the last decade focused on sustainability, renewable energy and the development of true communities.

The Citizen is happy to provide a forum for comments and discussion. Please respect and abide by the house rules: Keep it clean, keep it civil, keep it truthful, stay on topic, be responsible, share your knowledge, and please suggest removal of comments that violate these standards. Real names are appreciated, but not required.

5 responses to “Déjà vu – Future of the Unique in question again”

  1. Steve, Please check you grammer. What a mess of an article.

    1. “Please check you grammer.” *inserts foot in mouth*

  2. I think it would be a shame to lose this piece of Salida history, but I’ve heard that it has deteriorated badly since the stabilization work took place and the roof was not fixed.

    What do the historic preservation people say? Is there any grant money available in cases like this?

    Michele Riggio

  3. Does anyone else smell a real big rat in all this? If you started demolishing all the buildings on First St. that didn’t measure up to code or safety concerns, pretty soon you’d have a block long parking lot. Just sayin’.

  4. This web site is a good idea, but totally unneeded. The radio stations and newspaper in this town are totally useless. Why are they not covering this material, and making a profit at it while providing jobs.
    We are subjected to one radio station that is prerecorded, as the other one reads the newspaper for news. The reporters at the newspaper want to work 9 to5 and no weekends, when news and sports usualy happen.
    Most people, I believe, do not know that radio stations broadcast on the public airwaves and can have thier license taken away if they do not serve the public needs. As an ex-employee of one of the radio stations I am ashamed of what is being broadcasted now. We used to have human interest stories of local people, and call in talk shows to discuss local issues. Not any more!
    I don’t know if we should start a grass-root effort to have the radio stations licenses not renewed. What do you think?

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