Ballard building possible site

POCATELLO — Vacant for several years, the Ballard Medical building that once employed more than 400 people in the Gate City could be about to undergo a transformation that would bring jobs to Pocatello and provide the city with a multi-use events center.

Former Mayor Roger Chase will ask the City Council tonight for permission to apply for a conditional use permit to use the large building on Alvin Ricken Drive as an events center that would be used for such things as sporting events, concerts, trade shows, banquets and conventions.

The events center would take up about 100,000 square feet, which is more than half the space available in the building. The other part of the building would be used for office and medical space and possibly light manufacturing similar to what Ballard used the building for.

That area is already zoned to allow for office, medical and light manufacturing. But the area is not zoned to allow for major event entertainment and a conditional use permit would be needed to use the building for that purpose.

According to a letter he submitted to the city, Chase, who is now a private consultant, represents a group that has made an offer to purchase the property. The letter stated a major remodeling project would be required to accommodate that type of facility.

“I’m excited about the idea, definitely,” said Councilman Ron Frasure, who noted Chase is only asking the city for permission to apply for a conditional use permit and nothing’s been decided yet.

Chase could not be reached for comment Wednesday and little else is known about the project at this point, but more details would be available when a formal application is turned in.

“They would have to provide more details when they apply for a conditional use permit,” said Michelle Pak, associate planner for the city.

Owned by manufacturing giant Kimberly-Clark, Ballard Medical Products located in Pocatello in 1996 and at its peak employed more than 420 workers here, including about 370 production workers. The facility manufactured medical devices such as entereal feeding tubes, defibrillator pads, airway management products and endoscopy products.

The facility closed three years ago when Ballard moved its operations to Mexico.

BY SEAN ELLIS
sellis@journalnet.com