The Community Building renovations are underway! They began approximately three weeks ago, and have an estimated finish date of this August. The construction is being done by Garling Construction out of Belle Plaine, IA. Over a year of planning, countless meetings, and several different fundraisers and events were held in preparation and anticipation of the renovation.

The renovations will include an elevator, air conditioning, and new bathrooms on the upper and lower levels. There will also be updated storage areas that will be of use to several different events and/or organizations that utilize the community building for different purposes.

There will be a new bar/kitchenette area in the front end of the building (opposite the stage) this will be very useful for serving refreshments on the main level of the building. There will also be a new stage which will have storage under it, for things such as tables and chairs. The kitchen and dining area on the lower level are undergoing updating as well.

The front of the building will go under renovation as well. During this time the construction company will remove and preserve the concrete that is etched in the front of the building as well as the signs and will reuse them in the finished project. The new entrance to the building will be much bigger, which will be much nicer for welcoming people into the door. Now you won’t be faced with the immediate decision of up, down, or in the way. There will now be space for coats and mingling in this area and the new elevator will be located in the entrance area as well.

Several different items have been saved either for re-use in the completion of the building or to be put up for sale as donations towards the building. If you would like to purchase any of these you can go to Front Porch Primitives on Main Street and ask Lisa for any items she may have from the community building. Whether you’re interested in donating to the fund or just want to gain a wonderful keepsake from one of Dysart’s most beloved establishments, your money is going to a good cause by purchasing an item.

Some of the items like part of the large, beautifully crafted wood kitchen cabinets will be displayed as a new buffet in the dinning area. There will also be doors saved, and other features that will help maintain some of the original character of the building. Mayor Pam Thiele has been researching into colors and schemes that were popular during that time period to help with the conservation of the building during the completion of the renovation.

Keep your eyes on the Reporter this summer for continual and updated pictures and information of this exciting renovation!