Digging in

Six years of planning.

Dozens of volunteers.

About $2.21 million.

Those things and a long list of others led to finally putting shovels to dirt.

Arts Place held its groundbreaking ceremony Friday for its long-planned expansion and renovation project that will result in fixes and upgrades to its current Portland facility and the construction of a new visual arts building across the street.

“It’s a pleasure that so many people are in attendance today,” said Arts Place executive director Eric Rogers to the dozens in attendance for the event held on the lawn on the north side of the facility.

Rogers capped off the short ceremony that also included comments from Arts Place president Mindy Weaver, building and grounds committee chair Jeff Steed, architect Bob Taylor of Taylor Architects (Muncie) and Mike Schwartz of Limberlost Construction (Geneva).

The construction project is the culmination of an effort that started in the planning stages in 2014 with the capital campaign launching in September 2017. The fundraising process has now surpassed $2.21 million and will continue toward the ultimate goal of $2.4 million with the work underway.

The Portland Foundation ($175,000) was among the major donors that came together to pledge about $1 million to get the campaign started. A $200,000 challenge grant from John and Gretchen Young in November helped give the campaign the push it needed to get over the hump and make the project possible.

“I look at our community, whether it’s education, with the John Jay (Center for Learning) building, library or school facilities, whether it’s athletic facilities, with the community center and the water park and all of our outdoor facilities, or the arts, and Arts Place, this community continues to come together and find the money and the capabilities to have amazing programming and amazing facilities,” said Weaver, joking that she wore her tennis shoes so she would be ready to force her shovel into the dirt. “This is just very exciting.”

While Arts Place board members and supporters took part in the ceremony Friday, construction work had already started earlier this week with excavation on the north side of Arts Park at the northwest corner of Walnut and Harrison streets. That area will be home to the new 2,100-square-foot visual arts building that will connect to the current kiln building. It will feature a 2-D art room, 3-D art room, storage, a waiting room, a foyer and a restroom in addition to providing space for smaller exhibits.

Renovations to the existing facility at the southwest corner of the intersection will include repairing structural and moisture issues, expanding the lobby and ticketing area and creating additional music rehearsal space. Other upgrades include new lighting and sound equipment for Hall-Moser Theatre, a new piano and other instruments, a new sculpture for the grounds and parking lot improvements.

Limberlost Construction was awarded the project for its bid of $1.45 million, with the total cost anticipated around $1.68 million with architectural fees, permits and contingencies. (Additional funds from the capital campaign have already gone toward heating, ventilation and cooling and building stabilization work that were more immediate concerns.) Subcontractors for the project are T.J.’s Concrete, Hemmelgarn Masonry, All Circuit Electrical, Myers Plumbing and Heating, Myers Flooring, Fort Wayne Awnings, KBL Transport, McGuff Roofing, DeHoff Insulation, Hall Aluminum Products, Brockwood Cabinet Company and Cook’s Nursery.

“A groundbreaking basically is a day of celebration,” said Schwartz. “It's a day to celebrate a new beginning. And today marks that new beginning for Arts Place.”

That new beginning comes more than five decades after the formation of Jay County Arts Council. The organization purchased its first office 44 years ago and then bought its current location, the former home of Indiana Michigan Power, in 1983. A $2 million expansion project in 2000 tripled the size of the facility.

“That same year, we changed our name to Arts Place,” said Rogers. “It’s not surprising that 20 years after our last capital project, the time has come for yet another one. In fact, the time came a while ago. … But, as all of you know, patience can be a virtue. And in our case, it certainly has been.”

He went on to explain the evolution of the project, which in the long run reverted to something similar to the original idea of constructing the new building across the street from the current facility in order to create a campus feel.

“The final result will be something with which you can all be very pleased,” Rogers added.

Rogers concluded by thanking all those who were involved in the project, highlighting Weaver, who served as the chair for the capital campaign, and honorary co-chairs Barry and Elizabeth Hudson.

Other campaign cabinet members were Annette Alexander, Phil Frantz, Ron Freeman, Donna Haggenjos, Dr. Thomas Knapke, Jack Ronald, Carol Trimmer, John Young, Carolyn Carducci and Lisa Vogler.

He also said thank you to the Arts Place board, its building and grounds committee, staff, volunteers and the architects.

“And most importantly,” he added, “our donors — the more than 300 families, businesses, foundations and governmental entities who have made this project possible by donating or granting more than ($2.21 million) so far to this project.”