Easier access, modern amenities and tech-friendly meeting rooms are in the works as the Seward Civic Center undergoes its first major renovation since construction in 1955.
The center closed last February to begin the $2.6 million project funded by the Langworthy Trust, which finances normal operations for the center created by the estate of Jessie Tishue Langworthy.
When the first bid for the project came in at $3.6 million, Seward Civic Center Commissioners Mark Kolterman, Jan Matzke, and Rick Endicott, who are coordinating the renovations, knew they had to set some priorities, choosing a contractor who would help them divide the work into at least two phases.
In this first phase – budgeted for $2.3 million with the $300,000 contingency – they are tackling the interior access and priorities including:
• Creating a ramp between the east and west sections where a tight stairway had been the only path,
• Expanding and improving accessibility to both levels of the original building,
• Replacing windows in the lower-level banquet room,
• Replacing heating and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems,
• Modernizing the first-floor meeting rooms, and
• Improving the building’s access to technology.
Kolterman, Matzke and Endicott said the renovated facility will meet current codes and Americans with Disability Act standards.
The fire suppression system was expanded to include the newer, 1977 addition to the center, which lacked such protection before. The only other changes in the west addition now are structural changes to accommodate the new ramp, taking space previously used as the Chamber of Commerce’s board room.
As of mid-December, with less than four months until a planned April unveiling, the center is transforming to a new level of function and space.
Walls have come down to open up space like the front entry. Accordian walls in the GFWC Seward Woman’s Club Room and the Fireplace Room have been replaced with solid walls that will become an art gallery.
The first-floor fireplaces have been replaced with sleek, electric units, and modern cabinets and display cases are featured in the woman’s club room, while cabinets and a coffee bar space are featured in the east room.
Large televisions will be placed above the fireplaces and elsewhere in the rooms for presentations.
Enabling use of connectivity and technology were among the priorities for modernizing all meeting rooms in this portion of the building.
Larger, accessible restrooms are being completed in new locations on both floors of the original building and drinking fountains that facilitate water bottles are being installed.
The first-floor kitchen is being updated and converted to a catering kitchen, which excludes a stove and facilitates warming dishes and the needs of those bringing in prepared food.
Kolterman said some of the work on the lower level banquet room and kitchen, which will also become a catering kitchen, were deferred to Phase 2, though the lower level fire place has been removed.
Also part of Phase 2 is major front entrance renovation and the addition of two handicap parking spaces near the elevator entrance on the building’s north side. The new entrance will involve repair or replacement of existing steps and creation of two ramps, embracing the building’s column-styled entryway.
Phase 2 changes are expected to cost around $472,000 and Kolterman, Matzke and Endicott are hoping work could begin on those after July 4.
A possible third phase would include larger, modern bathrooms in the 1977 addition, which will continue to house the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership or Chamber of Commerce, which Langworthy provided for in her will.
In a new twist, Kolterman said the Civic Center Commission is working now to raise $450,000 in private gifts to complete Phase 2. They have commitments of $78,500 so far.
“Look at what Mrs. Langworthy gave us,” Kolterman said.
They anticipate Seward area residents will support Phase 2 given how important the building is to the community.
The renovation project has so far been funded solely by the Langworthy Trust.
Kolterman said the Langworthy Trust has contributed $7 million for the construction, maintenance and operations, and now renovation of the center that was completed in 1955. That includes the addition of the auditorium and offices on the west of the building completed in 1977 and the installation of the elevator.
Staffing and maintaining the center costs around $200,000 each year, he said, but the commission has saved funds from the trust over the years to make this major renovation possible. They hope the renovations may lessen maintenance and utility costs.
While the city owns the facility and any staff are city employees, no taxpayer funds or user fees are involved in its operation. The seven-member Civic Center Commission is appointed by the mayor and meets several times a year.
The Langworthy Trust, which is invested in farmland and managed by Ken Morgan, divides its income with 65% of the funds going to Seward Memorial Hospital and 35% to the civic center, Kolterman said. The trust document made the facility the home for the chamber and the women’s club, but also made provisions for other clubs, organizations, and groups to use the facility, barring any business/sales activity, alcohol, or personal use for receptions or parties.
In addition to its use by the chamber and women’s club, the center has been the meeting place for groups like Kiwanis, TOPS, League of Women Voters, Alcoholics Anonymous, Seward Genealogical Society, Scouts and various clubs, as well as events like the annual breakfast with Santa, Fourth of July exhibits, concerts and fundraiser meals, Seward Public School programs like quiz bowl and many civic meetings.
The Civic Center Commission and building committee worked closely with the women’s club and the chamber to determine needs and priorities for the building moving forward.
