With more than $40,000 donated to the Sylvan Senior Center in the past two months, considerable progress has been made on the renovation of the former Farmers Elevator Co. building located at the south end of Sylvan Grove’s Main Street. The building must be complete by September 2024 in order to attain full funding from the Senior Kansas Department of Commerce HEAL (Historic Economic Asset Lifeline) Grant.
At this time, Sylvan Center members are $35,000 short of their goal to finish the renovation and are appealing to both locals and past residents of the county to help them reach their goal so progress can continue uninterrupted.
Major funding for this project has come from multiple sources including the Post Rock Community Foundation, the Dane G Hansen Foundation and the Kansas Department of Commerce.
“Other generous individuals, businesses and foundations have also helped us reach this point where the end is soon in sight,” Michael
Kratky, project cochair said.
The drywall is almost complete on the interior walls. New windows have been installed with more on-site and ready for installation. Exterior walk-in doors are in place. Members have been busy painting the Great Room windows, the window capstones and the historical sign on the front of the building. Additionally, the concrete for the patio is complete as well as the courtyard fencing, finishing the exterior of the building. An overhead glass garage door will be installed in January.
Contractors will soon be working on the remaining HVAC, plumbing and electrical installation, mudding of drywall, cabinet installation, floor finishing and interior door installation.
“I am so proud of Sylvan Senior Center members for their dedication to this five-year project,” Loralei Dohl, project co-chair said. “They are saving a Main Street building, repurposing the building into their new home and creating an historical event space for guests of all ages.”
To help with this project, donations may be sent to Sylvan Senior Center, Inc., PO Box 34, Sylvan Grove, KS, 67481, or left at the Bennington State Bank for the Senior Center.
To help with this project, donations may be sent to Sylvan Senior Center, Inc., PO Box 34, Sylvan Grove, KS, 67481, or left at the Bennington State Bank for the Senior Center.
