City Celebrates Work Beginning on the Community Center Project with Groundbreaking
November 01, 2023
On Thursday afternoon, October 26th, City Council members, the Mayor, former Bauer Building Committee Members, and donors gathered to celebrate the beginning of a long-discussed project. The City received ownership of the former USD348 gymnasium located at the corner of Chapel St and 8th Street back in 2020, as a donation from the Bauer Family in memory of Steve Bauer, a former City Council member, and his wife Alison.
A committee was formed soon after the donation was accepted by City Council to determine the best use of the building and begin planning. After months of meetings, the project went out for bid, but the bids were much higher than anticipated. As a result, the Council tabled the project for a time. Earlier this year, it went out for bid again and returned with a price point in the budget range. City Council approved the bid, and work began in earnest.
The old stone building is steeped in history and community memories, and reviving the space will open new opportunities for connection and gatherings.