Rebirth

A revitalized Skylon will reopen this weekend

HARTINGTON — The Skylon has had quite a journey over the past 10 months, but that journey will see a successful conclusion this weekend.

The facility faced being demolished last year when owner Roger Wortmann said his business needed the land the 72 year-old building was sitting on.

After a failed vote to have the city take a bond to move and remodel the building, it looked like the old ballroom had seen its final days.

City leaders and Wortmann then put their heads together to work out a lease-to-purchase agreement to keep the facility from being torn down.

In October, it was lifted up and moved to its new location just west of Bomgaars. Since then construction crews have been busy remodeling the now city-owned facility, and constructing a new addition at the front of the building.

The Skylon will be reopened Saturday as it hosts the first wedding.

Corey Kramer, the newly named Skylon manager, said he’s eager to see the space filled with life once again.

“I am excited, I enjoy this kind of busy,” said Kramer.

Though Kramer said he doesn’t expect the rest of this year to be booked up, the space is now open for reservations.

To reserve the whole building for one day, it costs $1,500, but to rent out the front half, which includes the bar area, it is $500 per day. For a wedding, the venue is $2,000 but is reserved for five days for decorations to be put up and taken down.

Kramer said he plans to expand the ballroom’s use beyond weddings and other family gatherings.

“We want to do concerts, car shows, even try out like a comedy, like get a stand-up comedian,” said Kramer.

He also mentioned the possibility of installing a projector or large TV to host Husker football watch parties for the community. However, he noted he doesn’t plan to operate the bar on his own regularly.

With the addition of the front lounge area, the Skylon has been expanded enough that it can now hold approximately 1,080 guests, depending on the table and chair arrangement, Kramer said.

Kramer is also planning to add a beer garden with a fireplace, which he hopes will be completed by next year.

As renovations wrap up, Kramer said he’s looking forward to giving the community a versatile space — a space where new memories can be created and a place where celebrations, entertainment and connection can thrive once again.