New life for Old West gambling town
DEADWOOD, S.D. -- An ambitious master plan has been unveiled by architects in a move to breathe new life into the Black Hills tourist and gambling town of Deadwood.
The plan calls for the removal of at least two non-historic buildings to make way for park-like settings, fountains and streams, and an Outlaw Square similar to Main Street Square in Rapid City, the Rapid City Journal reported. The square would be designed to host historical re-enactments as well as concerts, farmers markets and other activities.
The revitalization plan developed by TSP of Rapid City and RPG of Omaha was conceived after nearly two years of meetings gathering input from residents, business leaders, government officials and civic organizations. The Deadwood Revitalization Committee, which operates under the umbrella of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, has spearheaded the effort, said Chamber Executive Director Lee Harstad.
"Above all else, what these projects have done is brought this community together," Harstad said Friday. "People may have had differing opinions, but they've all come to the table and discussed the possibilities for tomorrow. That's exciting."
Officials plan to acquire and demolish the Franklin Motor Lodge and the CenturyLink building because they're not considered historic, said Deadwood Historic Preservation Officer Kevin Kuchenbecker.
"The buildings identified in this plan are two that do not contribute to the historic character of the district and, in fact, are intrusions on the fabric of the historic district," Kuchenbecker said Thursday.
Estimated construction costs would exceed $8.8 million. The plan has many supporters, but some city officials are reserving judgment until they can ascertain the actual costs.