Clear Lake council authorizes memorandum of understanding negotiations on Surf Music Experience Center

CLEAR LAKE — The Clear Lake City Council this week authorized the city to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the non-profit that operates the Surf Ballroom & Museum for the new Music Experience Center being constructed next to the ballroom.

The 1800-square foot space will include interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling, as well as a visitor center and gift shop, a box office for events, and expanded lesson studios for music education. 

Acting city administrator Jacob Widman says as the building comes closer to being ready to be occupied, the city needs to negotiate a lease with the North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum.  “As you guys are aware, we’re still working out the terms of a full long-term lease with them, but by doing a memorandum of understanding, they’ll be able to start using the building right away as we finalize those lease terms.”

The MEC is part of the $35 million Surf District revitalization project that received state funding from the state’s Destination Iowa and Community Attraction and Tourism grant funds.