About 20 committee members, Grand Junction city council members, supporters, donors, and even an architect were on hand Thursday afternoon for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the new Grand Junction Community Center.
Diane Wise, who has spent the last two years working on the project, wore a hard hat labeling her as “The Pusher.” “This is a big day for Grand Junction as we work toward new and better things.”
As they posed for the camera, Jensen Builders crew members were already moving dirt behind them.
Architect Nathan Compton of Haila Architecture of Ames has been meeting with the Community Center committee for 18 months. Haila provided the plans needed to begin fundraising, and then prepared the final design and construction documents. “This shows that when towns get together and work, with someone like Diane leading the way, things can happen,” Compton said.
Junction Hilltop Wind provided a generous challenge grant as an incentive for various design elements, most of which were related to energy efficiency. The challenge includes $60,000 if Grand Junction officials develop a revitalization plan for Main St. Council member Alan Robinson said Thursday that meetings are under way on the plan.
Completion of the nearly $1.2 million project is expected in mid-January. The committee is still raising funds for furnishings for the building.
