Rebirth

Skylon Ballroom set to reopen late summer under new lease deal

HARTINGTON — As work continues on the Skylon Ballroom in preparation for a late summer opening, the Hartington City Council is beginning to put the pieces together as to how to run the new community center.

Hartington Mayor Mark Becker said work on a new addition to the front of the 73 year-old facility is expected to begin this week.

The Council voted Monday to sign a 19-month lease of the facili ty to Skylon Ballroom, LLC headed by Corey Kramer.

Kramer's company will take over operations of the facility starting June 1. The deal allows the tenant to operate the site as a rental event space through the end of 2026, with the City of Hartington retaining ownership of the building.

The first event of the newly reopened Skylon is expected to take plac e late this summer, said Mayor Becker.

The lease specifies the city will receive 50 percent of all rent al income earned by the business, with exceptions for the first $4,000 each month. The lease also mandates the tenant must provide documentation of rental activity and make monthly payments accordingly.

The lease also places full operational responsibility on Skylon Ballroom, LLC, including marketing, event coordination, and securing a liquor license. Failure to obtain that license would nullify the agreement immediately.

“This agreement brings life back to an important community space, while also ensuring the city shares in its success,” Mayor Mark Becker said.

According to the lease, the city will cover utilities and structural repairs, while the tenant is responsible for interior maintenance, minor repairs, and extensive liability insurance coverage totaling $5 million.

The agreement prohibits subleasing without city approval and requires city consent for any major renovations.