City will contribute to new Surf roof

by Marianne Gasaway

Clear Lake City Council members have approved a request for a $35,000 contribution to help fund the replacement of the roof of the Surf Ballroom.

Jeff Nicholas, president of the North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum (NICCM), spoke with the City Council Monday.

“We have very much appreciated the partnerships and collaborative efforts between the City of Clear Lake, Dean Snyder Family and the NICCM.  Because of these efforts, a multitude of necessary improvements to the Surf Ballroom have been possible,” stated Nicholas.  “The reality of our operation is that large restoration projects like these are not feasible without the financial and in-kind support that our organization receives from donors and our partners.”

Nicholas explained the current roof system dates back to 1994.  Annual inspections and minor repairs have been credited with the long life span of the roof, designed to last 15 years.  The rubber membrane that covers the dome of the ballroom has become very thin due to years of exposure to the elements, he said, adding that re-

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placement should have probably occurred one or two years ago.  Some plaster damage has occurred as a result of leaks in the roof.

According to Nicholas, NICCM is eligible for a grant through the Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program. The program supports the rehabilitation of historic properties and funds physical preservation projects for historic sites.  While grant funding is not guaranteed, a cash match can be considered a competitive factor when evaluating applications.  A $35,000 contribution from the City of Clear Lake would show community and governmental support for the roof and other potential grant applications, he said.

“We have always been very appreciative of the support of the City and North Iowa,” said Nicholas.  He added the the Surf Ballroom is currently working through the process to be considered for National Historic Landmark status.  The ballroom is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Just 2 percent of those on the historic places list appear on the historic landmark list.

“This is money well spent, not only for this community, but for the Midwest,” Mayor Nelson Crabb said after the Council’s unanimous vote.

“It’s an important asset and historical legacy,” added Councilman Bennett Smith.  “We are happy to provide this support.”

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