Community Building Re-Opens After Major Renovation Project

A grand re-opening celebration for the City of Fairbury’s Community Building was held Tuesday, November 28, attended by community leaders and many of the donors that made the project possible.The community building renovation project included many improvements to the building, which was built in 1978. The renovation project included new flooring, sidewalk, gutters, ceiling, LED lighting, windows, ADA access, walking track, new games, paint, kitchenette, bathroom upgrades, WIFI and wireless components including TV and speakers. The project has included programming expansion specifically for the senior diners and library, including inter-generational activities. “The project came about because we had this wonderful building in our city park that we wanted to see used more often and used more effectively,” said Mayor Spencer Brown, “Ultimately, we are expanding the use of the community center as a whole.” The project cost approximately $110,000 for building upgrades. The city received about $90,000 in grants for the project and about $15,000 has come from the city budget. The remainder has been in-kind donations from area businesses, the school, the library, the museum, the veterans, and private individuals.The largest grant funds came from Westin Packaged Meats, Peter Kiewit, Union Pacific, Black Hills Energy, Union Bank, AARP, Haddan Excavation, Edward Jones, NextEra Energy, and Shelter Insurance (Joel and Glenda Austin). There were also many smaller contributions. Mayor Brown especially wanted to thank Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging and Fairbury Senior Diners for their flexibility in working with and around a lot of construction.The building is now open for indoor walkers, pickleball and volleyball, in addition the basketball courts which were already there. Mayor Brown noted that there has already been higher demand for gym usage, and the Fairbury Public Library is working on using it for additional programming.“With the new Wi-Fi, large screen TV and speakers, we have seen an increase in the use by nonprofits and private parties for events such as church services, organizational meetings, musical performances, family events, tournaments and game-day parties,” said Mayor Brown. The building continues to be used daily by Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging for Fairbury Senior Diners, home delivered meals, and transportation services.The mayor said, “We are excited to see these services grow at the Community Building.”Anyone with questions, or who is interested in renting the building, should call the city offices at 402-729-2476.

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