Movie’s use of Lincoln building set

LINCOLN — The community building on Lincoln Square is closed to the public for safety reasons, but a company filming a movie in Northwest Arkansas has permission to use it.

The movie is called “Sovereign” and will star Nick Offerman, Dennis Quaid and Jacob Tremblay. It is described as a “true crime thriller” and scheduled to be released in theaters in late 2024.

The City Council recently approved an ordinance giving the mayor the authority to allow the building to be used on a temporary basis for scientific, artistic, archeological, historic or academic purposes.

The council next passed a resolution that authorizes the mayor to enter into a contract with White Suits LLC for access to the building to film scenes.

Any organization wanting to use the building would have to sign a liability release, which would be reviewed and approved by the city attorney.

One council member quipped, “Get in and out fast.”

The ordinance passed by the council Feb. 20 amends an ordinance declaring the building a public hazard. An inspection report from Nov. 8, 2022, detailed several structural concerns with the building’s foundation, roof and loose stone.

The city plans to tear down the building and replace it. The project is ongoing, but there are no firm dates for demolition or when construction will start.

Lincoln Councilman Jon Wood is serving as a law enforcement source for the movie and also has signed up as an extra for several scenes. Wood said other areas in Lincoln also are being used for the movie, including the American Legion building and Central United Methodist Church.