Hampton thinks jail business may be too adult for town laws


Source: Globegazette.com.


USA – HAMPTON – Vice ordinances in Hampton may derail a man’s plans to revamp a 1800s-era jail into a historical role-playing business.

Mark Gudmundsen, of Surprise, Arizona, wants to allow patrons to experience historically accurate role-playing lockup in the 136-year-old Franklin County jail and former sheriff’s residence in Hampton.

He thought the project had the green light from city officials, but was told this week his plans would violate Hampton’s zoning ordinances that restrict adult-oriented businesses to industrial areas.

The jail, 18 Central Ave. E., is in a commercial zone near the center of downtown Hampton.

Gudmundsen suspects the about-face stems isn’t about zoning ordinances. He thinks it’s really about pictures of him on his fantasy bondage website.

“It seems like when they found out more about my personal life they were suspicious,” he said.

The website features photos and writings that “explore the concept of extreme non-sexual bondage.” It includes photographs of Gudmundsen in various types of restraints, including chains and cages.

He says said the site depicts fantasy, not reality, and has nothing to do with the historical activities he would like to conduct in Hampton.

Gudmundsen wants to give patrons the opportunity to experience lock-up inside the Italianate-style jail, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The two-story home, which also housed the sheriff’s residence, features an attached cement and steel cell block. It was used to house the county’s prisoners as recently as 1988.

Guests could stay for a few hours, or days, and experience historically accurate jail booking and incarceration.

Baffled, Gudmundsen, who already bought the building, is now trying to figure out how to bring his plans in compliance with city code. Problem is, he’s not sure what to change, because he says city officials won’t tell him.

City Manager Ron Dunt told the Globe Gazette on Thursday that officials became concerned what Gudmundsen was planning to do was different than what they’d previously thought when, “Some information surfaced on some websites that he’s involved in and then he put out a website called www.hamptonjail.com.”

A promotional website, hamptonjail.com contains information about jail tours, a detailed account of historical role-playing options, the jail’s history as well as local dining, lodging and recreation options.

There are no sexual activities referenced in the website. Sexual contact during role-playing is forbidden, according to the site.

Dunt would not say which activities on the jail’s website were adult oriented. He says he gave Gudmundsen a copy of the applicable ordinances.

“He has a copy of the ordinance. I haven’t given him a list of dos and don’ts,” Dunt said. “I think our ordinance is clear.”

Gudmundsen is intent on working something out with the city. He’s also hopeful people can see there’s more to him than his personal life.

“It’s like, wow, all the sudden they think you’re interested in only one thing,” said Gudmundsen, who believes part of the scrutiny is because he’s gay. “If you’re a little bit kinky, right, you’re interested in bondage or something … Is that all I’m interested in? That’s just a little teeny little piece over here.”

See more and larger photo’s: Globegazette.com.