Factory Completes Phase One Of Remodel
As the phase one remodel of the gymnatorium in the Together Community Center, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, neared completion at the end of November, Ellie Green, director of hospitality with The Factory Ministries and Adam Nagle, executive director at The Factory, had nothing but praise for the results. "Stunning," noted Nagle.
Green pointed out that the renovations had opened the ceiling in the 1927 building, formerly the Paradise Elementary School, to expose the steel beams. "It makes you catch your breath," she noted. Nagle added that the goal has been to preserve the history and look of the room but give it a modern feel. To that end, wood trim around the room and especially the stage has been preserved, and original wood has been salvaged for repairs. Phase one of the remodel, which included the work on the ceiling, updating lighting for both use as a gym and as an event space, and paint, was completed in December.
Currently, and until phase two begins in the spring, the space is available for events at deeply discounted rates. When phase one was completed, Green noted that Factory holiday events, including a Christmas party and a gingerbread house making event were planned. Caroline's Rentals was scheduled to help stage the area for photos of how the venue could be decorated for events. Nagle mentioned that holiday parties, conferences, employee recognition events, galas, and a variety of other celebrations large and small may be held in the gymnatorium, where portable basketball hoops will be available for use by attendees of The Factory Youth Center. A landscaped courtyard will be available for appetizers or photos. "The room can hold 309 people with round tables," noted Nagle, who added that with high top tables more than 500 can be accommodated, and with a dance floor, the capacity will be 350.
Phase two of the project will start in the spring. Funded by Redevelopment Authority money from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), it will include refinishing the floor, updating the bathrooms and HVAC system, and renovating the stage. Researching funding for phase three, which will include a focus on a commercial kitchen, is ongoing.
Nagle explained that the broader vision for remodeling the gymnatorium is twofold. The building, which was sold to the ministry for $1 in 2017 by the Pequea Valley School District, provides a home for the youth center, social services, a food pantry, and more, but costs to maintain the structure are high. "The heart of this was to find a way that 100% of a donation (to the ministry) goes to programs and staff that support the program," said Nagle. The second goal was to resolve an issue identified by Project Activate, a program of the Lancaster Community Foundation designed to bring about positive change by building a more inclusive community. "Project Activate discovered there is not a gathering space in this area for events," said Nagle. "We look at our mission as empowering people, connecting them to resources, and building community. (This remodel) dovetails with our mission of building strong community."
Readers who would like to learn more about The Factory Ministries may visit http://www.thefactoryministries.com. Those who are interested in renting the room may call 717-687-9594.
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