The Primghar Community Building was built in the 1980s and has served the community well. As with everything, it needs TLC. When Clara Black came onto the board she selected as the first order of business refreshing the bathrooms. Her vision was for 3 stalls in each and 2 sinks, including ADA compliant stalls. The $50,000 price tag far outpaced the $13,000 raised at that time for that project.
Compliance was necessary. So back to the drawing board everyone went. The overall project was downsized to 2 stalls and 1 sink in each with ADA compliant space. The cost of that still exceeded raised funds, but with the help of City Clerk Carol Chicoine the difference was obtained from a grant.
To ease the burden to the public of renting the facility, the city opted to lease it from its board of directors. Now, the city can legally take reservations and oversee other operations. The city, by leasing the space covers the cost of insurance. The lease arrangement also allows the city to raise maintenance funds from a voter-approved levy.
The bathroom project was completed in the winter of 2020, just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic breakout. The facility, like everything else, was shut down.
During that time, the Community Building board has raised more money than expected for other updating projects. The 2022 rummage sale raised over $1200.00.
The main hall has been painted. New fluorescent lighting and beautiful wall sconce lighting has been installed. The lighting level is adjustable (dimmer switch). The lighting was grant funded with city staff doing the installation. The lighting was grant funded. The entry has been given a welcoming setting from interesting donations.
New furnishings have been purchased. The Community Building can seat up to 250 people. They now have 140 matching folding chairs and 20 new round tables. They kept 18 rectangle tables, and some chairs. Currently they can seat up to 236.
Rentals are doing very well, according to Black. The Community Building has been the site of business meetings for Summit Carbon Solutions, elections, wedding receptions, chamber events, funeral luncheons and more. Primghar Community Playhouse has resumed performances there. Monday card players are still diligent and competitive for their scores.
The kitchen is the next step. Black said, “I don’t even know where to start there.” She also mentioned doing some nice brick coverage over the posts near the entrance. It’s a work in process.