Contract awarded

Arts Place is another step closer to its years-long plan for expansion and renovation becoming a reality.

Mindy Weaver, president of the Arts Place board, announced this week that Limberlost Construction of Geneva has been awarded the contract for the organization’s legacy capital project. It will include renovation of the current Portland facility as well as the construction of a new visual arts building across the street at the northwest corner of Harrison and Walnut streets.

“I’m not sure it’s sunk in,” said Weaver. “I had never been a part of anything like this, so I didn’t know what to expect going in, how much time and so forth. I am excited that it’s going to get started.”

“I think everybody that’s been working on this — a lot of volunteers, a lot of staff — we’re ready to go,” added Arts Place executive director Eric Rogers, noting that the project has been in the works since 2014. “In a way, you never feel you’re going to get there, and here we are.”

Limberlost was one of six contractors to bid for the project, with its total coming in at $1,453,032. With architectural fees, permits and contingencies, the total project cost is anticipated at about $1.68 million.

The contract with Limberlost is being reviewed and is expected to be signed within the next few days, Rogers said. Work is slated to begin in the next 60 days, though a groundbreaking has not yet been scheduled, with construction expected to take eight months.

Jeff Steed, chair of Arts Place’s building and grounds committee, noted in a press release that funds from the $2.4 million capital campaign have also already gone toward upgrades such as heating ventilation and cooling and building stabilization that were more immediate concerns. Money was also used to create an endowment to support added expenses resulting from the renovation and expansion.

Arts Place’s board of directors had already been discussing plans for renovations for three years when it launched its capital campaign in September 2017. At that point, more than $1 million had already been committed from about 20 donors. The campaign cleared the $2.1 million mark early this year, allowing Arts Place to move forward with the process of finalizing plans and putting the project out for bid.

“Construction represents the results of six years of planning and fundraising,” said Steed. “The process required the input and efforts of well over 100 individuals who contributed their time serving on planning committees, focus groups and as campaign volunteers.”

Renovations to the current Arts Place facility, at 131 E. Walnut St., Portland, will include repairing some structural and moisture problems, creating a larger lobby and ticketing area and opening up additional rehearsal space for music rehearsals, which will in turn allow the theatre-related workspace to be more accessible.

There will also be new lighting and sound equipment for Hall-Moser Theatre, a new piano and other instruments and a new sculpture for the grounds.

The new 2,100-square-foot visual arts building to be constructed adjacent to the kiln building, which will be renovated, at the northwest corner of Walnut and Harrison streets. It will include a 3-D art room, a 2-D art room, storage areas, a waiting room, a foyer and a restroom. It will also provide space for smaller exhibits featuring local artists.

“I’m excited that it defines our whole space a little better,” said Weaver, a flute player who has been active in Arts Place’s Jay County Community Band and Eastern Breeze Flute Ensemble. “We can give the art classes their area, the music people their area, the theatre people some space back … I’m just excited that more groups will be able to use our facility.”

The visual arts center will make use of existing walkways in Arts Park and will add a sidewalk connecting to the parking lot to the west.

The overall project will also include landscaping and renovation of the parking lot west of Arts Place.

Arts Place has brought in more than $2.2 million toward the $2.4-million goal and will continue to raise funds during the construction process.

“This project was possible only because of the generosity of hundreds and hundreds of donors,” said Rogers. “I’m deeply grateful …”

“It never ceases to amaze me … the support this community comes up with to support whatever our projects are,” added Weaver. “We have some nice facilities in this Jayland community and it’s because of the people here.”