The auction to sell the Roanoke Rapids Theatre via the website GovDeals will begin on May 25 at 9 a.m. and end on June 26 at the same time.
The theater and a detailed description of the property has already been posted on the website and shows the starting bid has been set at $750,000. A $5,000 bid deposit is required.
Ahead of the auction, City Manager Kelly Traynham told the council at its meeting Tuesday that the auction page for the venue has already attracted close to 3,800 visitors.
Traynham said the city has been working with GovDeals staff to develop a marketing advertisement for the property. “A couple of the employees with GovDeals have visited the site. They’ve taken pictures and we have sent them additional photos and files that we have in our records.”
She said in speaking with a GovDeals representative at a conference last week, “They seemed to be very excited about the prospect of selling the theater.”
She said currently the city doesn’t have any expenditures in the online auction process. “Selling the property would help to pay for their efforts and their fees.”
Traynham thanked public works Director Larry Chalker and his staff for keeping the building and grounds maintained as the city looks for a buyer for the property.
The property description on the city’s auction link notes there will be an open house for the property on May 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and all interested parties are encouraged to attend. Roanoke Rapids city staff and a GovDeals representative will be on hand to answer questions about the property and the auction process.
“This building is regularly maintained and could be put into use the day it is purchased,” the description says.
Other notes in the description are as follows:
All furniture will be conveyed with the property.
The entire sound system and stage lighting is included.
The second floor has a bar, offices, conference room, offices, restrooms and luxury boxes for viewing the stage.
The first floor has a grand foyer, snack bar, restrooms and offices.
This facility was modeled after a Branson-style entertainment layout.
The tax assessment is $5.8 million.
Facility construction started in 2006 and opened in 2007, at a cost in excess of $17 million.
Extensive drawings are available upon request and will be conveyed with the property.
“This facility could be used as a top-tier entertainment and concert facility, a performing arts center … or could easily be converted to a convention center or office space. If added on to the main building (it) could be the central portion of a hotel,” the description says.
