The public will have the chance Thursday to tour the new Tacoma Program Center when the Tacoma Mountaineers hold an open house.
Thursday’s event, from 4 to 8 p.m., is a chance to show off the new two-story building, said chapter chairman Geoff Lawrence. It also represents the group’s commitment to the outdoors and conservation as it celebrates it 100th anniversary. The building will serve as the focal point of the organization’s ever-expanding list of programs.
The architect, Amy Dedominicis of Tacoma Design Collaborative; as well as representatives from the general contractor, Merit Construction Northwest, and engineer, AHBL, will be on hand as well as the building committee and Mountaineers staff.
The $1.32 million project made its public debut Aug. 6 when it was used by Mount Rainier National Park for a public comment session on the plan to renovate Camp Muir.
Crews from Merit Construction Northwest, and volunteers have been working on the building since February, starting with demolition of the old structure and salvaging materials. Mountaineer volunteers built the original one-story clubhouse in 1955-1956.
While the building is ready for use, Lawrence said the group still has some items on its wish list.
“There are still some elements of the project that were not completely funded such as indoor and outdoor climbing walls and a green roof.” Lawrence said.
The club has started a fundraising effort and so far has raised more than $120,000 to help complete the work.
“We are continuing our fundraising in order to be able to complete the climbing walls and green roof,” he said. “So, yes, we were able to do all the major things we had wanted to do to result in a first-class modern facility with three rooms for classes and activities.”
The chapter also plans to hold a more formal grand opening celebration Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. The group will resume its monthly guest speaker series the next night at 6:30 p.m. to allow people to tour the facility.
In addition to the new building, the club has announced the hiring of Ken Karch as the part-time building administrator, a position that replaces the position of clubhouse secretary. Helen Engle retired from that position earlier this spring. Karch will be working out of an office in the building.
“Ken is a longtime member of the Tacoma Branch and brings a wealth of outdoor and business experience and enthusiasm to the position,” said Amy Mann, a member of the branch’s council.
jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com253-597-8640
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THE DETAILS
Tacoma Program Center, 2302 N. 30th St., Tacoma.
Questions? Contact Ken Karch, Program Center administrator, at 253-566-6965 or info@tacomamountaineers.org.
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