Budgeting on the events center pushes project forward

COLFAX - Construction started on an events center located at the Colfax Golf Course last year in June; with several donations and $72,000 allotted to the project through the Capital Budget, the building already has an event planned for July this year.

Colfax local events center spokesman and Rotary Club member Allen Kirkpatrick stated the center would only be partially complete in July. Still, they hope they can use the facility for the wedding reception event on July 22.

On Friday, May 12, painting was underway at the newly built center.

With sheet rocking done and the building mudded and taped, Kirkpatrick explained that they had applied for three different things in the capital budget, totaling $72,000, which they plan to use to complete projects that still need to be done.

"The guy that really came through was Joe Schmick," Kirkpatrick said, adding that the representative was instrumental in getting the project on the legislative budget and setting them up for the funding.

After which, Mark Schoesler set them up on the capital end.

"The only way this project was possible was through working with the city of Colfax," Kirkpatrick added, noting that the golf course sets on city property, and they have a 99-year lease.

"That's how we were able to qualify for funding from Whitman County and the state," he said.

Kirkpatrick said they would need another $75,000 to $100,000 to complete the project.

He explained that their next step is to go to the businesses and community members to get the additional funds because it's a community event center.

"In the meantime, we will complete the project and borrow the funds through the golf course foundation," he said, adding that the golf course has raised a lot of money for the event center because it will also be the golf course clubhouse.

"But it is also a Community Event Center," Kirkpatrick said, noting they're still seeking donations to finalize it.

Once completed, the events planned will be weddings, wedding receptions, celebrations of life, family reunions, and class reunions, he stated.

"We'll have a capacity of 300 now," he added, noting that is their listed capacity.

Kirkpatrick stated that many people have put in work towards the Community Center, and they are thankful to the individuals and businesses that have stepped forward.

Project Manager Scott Pittman works with all the contractors and all the subcontractors, Kirkpatrick stated, adding that McGregor Company donated a fire suppression pipe, which they thought would be a dealbreaker due to location.

They were able to put in a 4-inch waterline going from the Little League Field to McDonald Park for the fire suppression pipe required in the building.

Donations to the Event Center included Paulson Plumbing, who donated Labor for plumbing; Ackerman Heating and Air, who donated heat pumps and installation; Nolan Heating and Air, who donated Labor for the installation of insulation and radiant heat piping; Harrison Electric, who donated Labor for electric wiring, Signs and Designs who donated signage for building, Warwick Cabinetry who donated Labor for cabinets, Avista donated electrical service, and McGregor Company donated a fire suppression pipe.

Colfax Event Center Donations included Whitman County .09 Grants at $149,000, Washington State Capital Budget, which donated $72,000, Colfax Golf Course Foundation donated $50,000, Colfax Golf Course Men's Club donated $15,000, City of Colfax Hotel and Motel donated $5,000, Colfax Golf Course Ladies Club donated $4,248.10, Personal and Business Donations came out to $162,682, at a total of $457,927.81.

Major sponsors of the center included Tick Klock Drug; Kincaid Real Estate; Colfax Body Repair; Empire Disposal; Jones Truck and Implement; JW and Associates; Folsom Ace Hardware; Thrifty Grandmothers; and Fire District Number 12.

Other sponsors include State Bank Northwest; McGuire, Deluulf, Kragt and Johnson; McGregor's Company; Dr. Kevin Johnson; Almota Elevator Co .; Pomeroy Grain Growers; Home Sweet Home Treats; STL Rentals; Pioneer Insurance; Kirkpatrick, Utgaard, and Perry; and Columbia Bank.