Caledonia Argus

Community center project well underway; question and answer session tonight

Posted: 10/8/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

As work progresses on the new Four Seasons Community Center in Caledonia, there may be questions that arise regarding the project. In an effort to answer those questions, the Four Seasons Board of Directors has decided to hold a public question and answer session tonight, October 9, at 7 p.m. in the city auditorium.

The Four Seasons Community Center Board of Directors has met every week but one since the beginning of this year to plan and direct the construction of the 9,100 sq. ft. facility. Nelson Construction of Caledonia is managing the project. About 100 volunteers in all have worked on the project as members of various committees.

Volunteers who are serving on the Board of Directors are Paul Fisch, Todd Roesler, Bob Burns, Tom Danielson, Laurel Rusert, Bev Bauer and John Pongratz.

Through its fund-raising campaign, the Four Seasons Community Center has raised about $1 million. The 4-Seasons Community Center has a 501(c)3 status, meaning that donations are tax-deductible.

The building currently under construction will cost about $950,000. The initial bid was for $1.076 million, but some costs were reduced through value engineering. For example, the basement was made smaller, and siding rather than brick will be used on the back of the building.

Because the project is supported entirely through private funds, the board wants to establish an endowment to help pay operating costs. The board would like to have between $150,000 and $200,000 set aside for this purpose. Anyone who was missed during the capital campaign or who would like to donate and has not yet done so is encouraged to contact a board member.

The Community Center will feature a complete, professional kitchen so that caterers can prepare and serve meals on-site. The large banquet room, named for benefactors Helen and the late Art Fruechte, will seat about 370. A smaller room, The Sprague Room, will be equipped with a fireplace and will seat up 60-70. A third meeting room will be located near the front entrance. The building will be fully handicapped-accessible. Donors to the project will be recognized with a plaque at the front entrance.

The parking lot will have 195-200 parking spaces. Part of the parking lot will be paved this year, and the remainder next year after it has had a chance to settle.

The board of directors for the Four Seasons Community Center is the general contractor for the project. Nelson Construction of Caledonia is managing the project. Wherever possible, local contractors have been hired to perform the work.

Reservations are being accepted for dates beginning in March. Interested persons may inquire by calling Kathy Schroeder at 725-3331. A fund-raising event is currently being planned for February.

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