Keystone wins design funding

A project to renovate the historic Keystone Hotel has received $55,000 for design and engineering services.

The Department of Com-merce's Economic Devel-opment Administration has approved the investment of Federal Economic Devel-opment Funds, according to Rex Nelson, executive director of the McCook Economic Development Corp.

"This $55,000 investment funds design and engineering services to renovate the historic Keystone Hotel in McCook as a technology business center," Nelson said. "The Keystone project will create 20 jobs and generate $500,000 in private investment, as part of President Bush's commitment to keep America working."

"We're obviously excited," Nelson said. "This is the result of months of research, planning and perseverance to facilitate the expansion of 21st Century Systems in McCook. The Keystone project will build a platform for job creation, innovation and new business creation. It will stimulate our downtown and preserve a six-story historic landmark. Along with the engineering and architectural plan, we will produce a detailed business plan for the Keystone Technology and Entrepreneurship Center based on best practices in economic development and business incubation. This concept is being developed in cooperation with McCook Community College, to provide new services to the business community," Nelson said.

To get the Keystone project in this position has required numerous supporters locally and from across the state, he said. Actively supporting the project has been Sen. Ben Nelson,

"The Keystone Hotel project is a great strategy for economic development that will benefit the McCook area by helping new businesses get started and provide training for good paying jobs." Nelson said. "This is the kind of forward-thinking that will help preserve the communities, like McCook, that make Nebraska what it is today. I'm looking forward to continuing to work on this project with the McCook Economic Development Corporation in the future."

Dr. Alex Stoyen, founder and CEO of 21st Century Systems also expressed his support, "The Keystone Technology Center will be a keystone in the revitalization of rural America.  21CSI is proud to be a part of this project to keep high technology jobs in America instead of outsourcing them to foreign countries.  McCook offers a very supportive business climate for high technology businesses and the establishment of the Keystone Technology Center will make it even more attractive.  Today's announcement is a major milestone. 21CSI is honored to have been part of the Silicon Prairie revolution in McCook and Nebraska for the past five years. We are looking forward to moving into the center when it is completed--especially since 21CSI is at 110 percent capacity in our current location."

Rehab of the building would take place following the completion of the engineering and architectural plan. Funding is contingent on favorable cost estimates from the engineering study. The rehab will preserve the historic character of the Keystone. Retail space will be available on the main floor and catered events can occur in the formal dining room, lobby and mezzanine. One floor will be dedicated to professional offices and another floor will be flexible space for new businesses or those providing business support services. 21CSI will occupy an entire floor for software programming and help desk support services worldwide for their customers. Under private ownership, condominiums and apartments are intended for the top two floors.

Businesses interested in the Keystone project or those interested in living in the prestigious Keystone Center should contact Rex Nelson, Executive Director, McCook Economic Development Corp. at (308) 345-1200 or email at medc@mccook ne.org.