Teri’s Notebook: Minnesota Street closed by Brewery Arts Center

After more than a decade of considering whether to close Minnesota Street between the main Brewery Arts Center building and the Performance Hall, officials blocked it off last week, using planters and large rocks.

“We have always wanted a way to make the campus safer, especially for children,” said executive director Gina Hill. “We have events and programming going back and forth between both buildings.”

Initially, she said, the idea was to create about $1 million in improvements, including an amphitheater in the closed street.

“This seemed like the most practical solution,” Hill said. “We don’t have the money to do anything that big right now. This is something we can do to get the ball rolling.”

The first concert was held last Saturday in the street between the two buildings and the second featuring New West Guitar Group —as part of the Jazz and Beyond Music Festival was on Friday night.

The planters and rocks used to block off the street were donated by the Greenhouse Garden Center, Cinderlite and ARMAC Construction, LLC.

Hill said a community mural also is planned for the closed road, as a way to brighten the area as well as alert motorists of its closure.

She hopes by taking the first steps, the next are going to follow.

“I think if people see the vision, we’re more likely going to be able to raise the funds to build what we really want to build here,” she said.

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The eighth annual Bark, Whine & Dine will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at Fuji Park.

It will be catered by Carson City BBQ, with live music by Ten Dollar Pony.

A large silent auction and quilt raffle will follow.

Proceeds is going to benefit the Carson Animal Services Initiative, which is raising money to help Carson City build a safe and inviting new animal shelter.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at friendsofcasi.org; by mailing a check to CASI, 112 N. Curry St. Carson City 89703; or calling Lisa Schuette at 775-671-2413.