The City of Valentine and Cherry County Tourism Board have jointly engaged an architect to help conduct a feasibility study on converting the old Shopko Building into a community wellness and convention center. The building has 18 foot ceilings and in a little over 36,000 square feet. Thursday evening the community was invited to the former Shopko building to provide ideas and discuss the possibilities with the building. About 75 people took advantage of the opportunity to provide input. Some the ideas included conference center for up to 500 people with breakout rooms and kitchen facilities. Pool tables, darts, trampolines, tumbling mats and rock climbing wall. Space for banquets, weddings, post prom, and family gatherings. A basketball court and pickle ball courts and possibly a small theater.
Good Life Architects of Kearney will take the information and provide feedback to the community in the near future. The City and County have a 90 day purchase option on the property.