July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Grant boosts JJCL project (6/7/05)
News conference held on $500,000 state grant to learning center effort
Grant boosts JJCL project (6/7/05)
By By Mike Snyder-
Dramatic changes are coming to downtown Portland — including new windows, a new roof and a revamped facade on the Weiler Building, the future home of the John Jay Center for Learning.
“We are very excited ... the building will be saved and restored to its original beauty,” said Rob Weaver, executive director of JJCL.
According to a project timetable distributed this morning at a news conference announcing the secured $500,000 state grant from the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs, officials hope to begin advertising for construction bids in November and begin construction soon after the release of funds in January 2006.
“What a great day. A dream is becoming a reality,” JJCL board president Doug Inman said this morning at the Portland Fire Department. “It’s education. It’s downtown revitalization. It’s saving a historical landmark.”
The grant will fund half of the estimated $1 million exterior renovation total. The remaining $500,000 has been raised through donations from project supporters and donors, Weaver said.
The next phase includes plans for gutting the building and raising funds for interior renovation, he added.
“Downtown there is no bigger piece of the puzzle than the (JJCL),” Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier said this morning. “We are honored and excited to be a part of this.”
Approximately 15 people were attendance at the news conference, including JJCL board members, State Rep. Bill Davis (R-Portland), Jay School Corporation Superintendent Barbara Downing and Portland Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Vicki Tague.
“What you’ve done here is really a road map to how a project comes together and brings everyone to the table,” Davis said. “If there were ever a project that Indiana can be proud of this is one of them. It has everything we are looking for,”[[In-content Ad]]
“We are very excited ... the building will be saved and restored to its original beauty,” said Rob Weaver, executive director of JJCL.
According to a project timetable distributed this morning at a news conference announcing the secured $500,000 state grant from the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs, officials hope to begin advertising for construction bids in November and begin construction soon after the release of funds in January 2006.
“What a great day. A dream is becoming a reality,” JJCL board president Doug Inman said this morning at the Portland Fire Department. “It’s education. It’s downtown revitalization. It’s saving a historical landmark.”
The grant will fund half of the estimated $1 million exterior renovation total. The remaining $500,000 has been raised through donations from project supporters and donors, Weaver said.
The next phase includes plans for gutting the building and raising funds for interior renovation, he added.
“Downtown there is no bigger piece of the puzzle than the (JJCL),” Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier said this morning. “We are honored and excited to be a part of this.”
Approximately 15 people were attendance at the news conference, including JJCL board members, State Rep. Bill Davis (R-Portland), Jay School Corporation Superintendent Barbara Downing and Portland Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Vicki Tague.
“What you’ve done here is really a road map to how a project comes together and brings everyone to the table,” Davis said. “If there were ever a project that Indiana can be proud of this is one of them. It has everything we are looking for,”[[In-content Ad]]
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