The City of La Center is set to celebrate the grand reopening of the Wheel Club Community Center following months of extensive renovations.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for April 7 at noon at 1000 E. Fourth St., La Center, welcoming community members and stakeholders to witness the transformation of the beloved gathering space. The event is expected to draw representatives from the Washington state Department of Commerce, the La Center Arts Council, Meals on Wheels and other local organizations.
Residents are encouraged to attend and see firsthand the upgrades made to one of the city’s most treasured community spaces.
The renovation project, which began on Jan. 10, was funded by a $242,500 grant from the Washington state Department of Commerce and an additional $80,000 from the city’s capital project funds, bringing the total cost to $322,500. The Wheel Club Community Center, established in 1961, serves as a venue for city- and school-sponsored events, as well as programs such as Meals on Wheels.
“This project will serve as a benefit to the public by enabling the community members to enjoy a modernized space that better serves the needs of the public, including Meals on Wheels for seniors, community art classes, and Tae Kwon Do classes,” Community Development and Public Works Director Tracy Coleman wrote in an email.
Interior upgrades include new commercial waterproof laminate flooring, improved insulation, fresh paint and additional windows for increased natural lighting. The main assembly area received new lighting fixtures, and security enhancements were made with the installation of security cameras and commercial-grade doors. Internet access was also improved with CAT6 cabling.
Restrooms were updated with new stainless-steel fixtures, epoxy flooring and infant changing stations. The kitchen was reconfigured with new counters and a revised layout to accommodate community events. Exterior updates include new signage, landscaping and improved accessibility features.
“In addition … we have removed all asbestos, split the HVAC for separate kitchen and main space heating/cooling, added additional windows for increased lighting, replaced rear entrance doors, updated exterior siding, new gutters, downspouts and paint, new entrance columns, new signage, landscaping, new lighting, new bathroom fixtures interior, and the list goes on,” Coleman wrote.
The project is being completed by Tikka, Inc.. The addition of insulation and upgraded windows is expected to reduce energy costs for the city.
“We are pleased to offer you an updated facility and thank you for your support to our community,” Coleman wrote.
