By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
WAKEENEY—WaKeeney Main Street is revitalizing the historic site of the former Kelly Theater. The open-air space that Kelly Plaza will bring to the community will honor the past while creating a place for residents and visitors to gather, celebrate and make new memories.
Lynelle Shubert, director of WaKeeney Travel and Tourism, said the project is focused on phase one, which includes restoring the theater facade, stabilizing the north and south walls and constructing public restrooms that are ADA-accessible and family-friendly.
Shubert said future plans include murals and local artwork that showcase the talent of the WaKeeney community. She said the addition of public restrooms will also make Kelly Plaza an attractive stop for travelers along the interstate between Denver and Kansas City.
“WaKeeney is conveniently located along I-70, and being halfway between Denver and Kansas City, we get a lot of people there,” Shubert said. “It's time to let the dog take a break, stretch your legs, go get gas, stop and get a bite to eat or get something to drink. We draw people in with our charm.”
Shubert said progress on the project depends largely on funding. If all funding were available immediately, construction could be completed in less than a year. However, she said the current goal is to have the restroom portion of phase one completed by 2028.
Before that can happen, crews must complete infrastructure work and stabilize the remaining walls of the former theater.
Funding for Kelly Plaza has come from a combination of grants and local support. Major contributors include American Rescue Plan funds, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Heartland Community Foundation funding, Trego County Economic Development, WaKeeney Travel and Tourism, Western Cooperative Electric, CoBank and foundation geld funds.
To date, $278,872.41 has been raised for the project, according to Shubert.
Shubert said $80,000 has been spent on phase one improvements, including work related to future restroom facilities, structural stabilization efforts and $5,000 for security cameras installed at the property.
Kelly Plaza has a remaining balance of $194,544.41 for phase one, dedicated to the project.
Shubert emphasized the importance of community support, noting that downtown WaKeeney lacks permanent public restrooms. The facility will serve residents attending festivals, farmers markets and other community events, while also providing an accessible option for families and visitors.
Shubert said they are about halfway to reaching the funding goal needed to complete the project.
From a tourism standpoint, Shubert said Kelly Plaza fit naturally into WaKeeney's role as a stop along I-70.
"You don't get a lot of second chances of first impression," Shubert said.
She explained improving the appearance of the former theater site and providing modern amenities can help encourage visitors to spend more time exploring local businesses and attractions.
Future plans for Kelly Plaza are included in phase two of the project.
Shubert said phase two will focus on transforming the space into an inviting, open-air gathering area. Proposed additions include landscaping and decorative features, a raised stage for live music and community events and adjacent space designed for food trucks and vendor access.
However, Shubert said phase two cannot begin until phase one is completed.
One feature she believes is especially important is restoring the historic theater facade, to keep historic landmarks alive.
"If this facade wasn't restored, it would be like smiling with a tooth missing," Shubert said.
Looking ahead, Shubert said she hopes visitors will be drawn into the space by public art, landscaping and community activities. She envisions Kelly Plaza becoming a place where people can learn about WaKeeney, enjoy local talent and experience the community's welcoming atmosphere.
"My hope is that the visitor would be drawn in and would see a little bit about who we are and what we are, and maybe learn a little bit about WaKeeney, and have a pleasant feeling, a pleasant experience," she said.
Shubert added it has been 46 years since WaKeeney has enjoyed the space that the Kelly Theatre occupied.