HC Remodel
Rendition by watercolorist Cecile LaPointe
Keeping It Simple:
Hoffman Center Remodel Plan
When we acquired the old Treasure Cave building in Fall 2006, it was obvious the space could be used for a variety of arts programs, classes, projects and gatherings. It’s been well used, but it could be more conducive to activities if it were a nicer and more comfortable place to be.
For a while we just used it. Then it was repainted, emergency lighting and panic door hardware were added, and the bathroom made ADA accessible. Yet the building remained cold, dark, dusty and musty.
Frankly, the building is still not as inviting as it needs to be. It’s not yet suited to be an Arts Center for our community.
So lots of questions have been asked. “What should the Hoffman Center do to make the building warmer, more comfortable and more useable? What could we do frugally, knowing donors may be less able to give at this time?”
The board, architects and builders explored a lot of alternatives and did some pricing: to (a) put a new building on the same site, or (b) fully remodel what we have with new concrete, changed walls, roof fully insulated. We could even obtain LEED approval – an important environmental and energy efficiency designation.
But these options might be beyond what the community could raise in capital. Also, doing either one of them would put the Center “out of business” for many months.
The board recently sought input from potential donors and key volunteers. As a result of our findings, we resolved to keep it simple.
The most important priorities are to make the Hoffman Center a warm, dry, well-lit and usable space in a cost-effective way, all the while keeping current programs operating and helping the community develop new programs. The goal is a minor remodel that is affordable and gives us the most “bang for the buck.”
Here’s what the remodel would entail:
Level/resurface the floor in the two main rooms — stained concrete or clicklock laminate simulated wood. [Either surface would be more attractive, cleanable and better than the current stained, frayed and distressed carpet.]
Fix the sunken posts on the East wall and center, to level the roofline
Re-duct the heating and move the thermostats, so the old system is more efficient.
Improve the basic lighting — exterior floods, interior lights, safer usable switches — all using energy-efficient CFL bulbs
Make one large, east side garage door usable, with windowpane aluminum door and chain hoist. (This would allow access for large equipment and art pieces.)
Replace the interior pegboard with wallboard.
Add one or two large glass windows on the N.E. corner, for natural light and visibility
Install, complete and weatherproof the mural on the northeast wall, so all can enjoy it as they enter Manzanita.
Insulate the ceiling and cover it with cloth to protect it and soften sounds.
Re-grade the landscaping on the east side, so water does not accumulate under concrete or affect posts.
The estimated cost to do all this, including some fundraising and contingency funds, is about $125,000. For another $20,000 we can have a new energy efficient heat pump.
For about $10,000 more we could remove the center posts in the main room by installing a spanning beam. This would fix seating and visibility problems.
And for another $25,000 we can have more program equipment — new and better stage lighting, gallery lights, better chairs and tables, art gallery and ceramic equipment.
We will soon be contacting prospective donors to help raise about half the $125K to $185K we need, with the above priorities as our goal. The rest would be raised from grants, foundations and local fundraising.
This remodel will provide a well-lit, warm, dry, useful and flexible building for many years to come.
And, when the Hoffman Center programs expand beyond what this building can accommodate, our community can gather more resources to build a brand new building across the street, on the property originally donated by Lloyd and Myrtle Hoffman.
That will be a grand day and the fulfillment of their dream for the community
