Pacific Community Center gets a face lift

The historic Pacific Community Center has a makeover.

Some of the multipurpose building's wrinkles have been smoothed and new features added – thanks to a federal $395,000 Community Development Block Grant the city secured for the project.

The building has undergone a series of facelifts over the years, but none as significant as this one, said Pacific Mayor Richard Hildreth.

The makeover was applied with efficiency in mind.

"The operation costs will be reduced significantly," Hildreth said. "When you cut the costs (of heating, lighting, etc.) by two-thirds, that's something that can be spent on programs."

In addition to new energy-saving lighting and heating, the remodel includes a new commercially-rated kitchen, refinished basketball floor, added computer room and private study area, new walls and paint. An old theater stage area was removed to accommodate more room.

The gymnasium, built in 1917, remains a well-used venue for year-round recreational programs.

The grant also allowed the City to purchase a new kitchen and cabinetry for the freshly-painted senior center.

The latest remodel is the first of four phases planned for the building, Hildreth said. The next project calls for replacing the East Room through donated funding, material and labor.

The new rec room will be named in honor of Shiloh Bleau Drott, the 21-year-old resident who was shot to death at a youth event inside the East Room a year ago.

For those interested in volunteering labor and materials to the project, call Hildreth at 253-929-1100 or e-mail him at pacificmayor@aol.com.

Contact Auburn Reporter Regional Editor Mark Klaas at mklaas@auburn-reporter.com or 1-253-833-0218 (ext 5050).

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