4/1/2009 2:14:00 PM Transformation of tobacco warehouse into city's new youth center continues
An old tobacco warehouse on E. Main Street is in the process of being converted into the new Stoughton Youth Center.
Eric Nielsen Courier Hub Correspondent
The bare bones of the new Stoughton Youth Center under construction in an old tobacco warehousel have been installed over the winter, including supporting beams for first floor's different rooms, ventilation systems and new windows.
The first floor is expected to be completed by the end of the summer, but there are still several many more projects that need to be completed - and attendant funds that have to be raised.
Sonny Swangstu, a Stoughton alderman and member of the construction committee for the youth center, displayed the work completed during the winter in a recent tour of the building. Beams that will support walls for five rooms have been erected, including a study room, kitchen, game room and offices for the managers of the youth center.
"We're hoping to have the first floor done by the end of the summer," Swangstu said, "but we still need money for a lot of our projects. We still need to install an elevator before the first floor can really be done. Our next step will be the wiring, and working on the elevator shaft."
Once the first-floor work is completed, Swangstu said there are still several major projects that need to be tackled.
The projects include working on the top floor, which could house a dance floor and bandstand, skate ramps or a basketball court. Bids for drywall have been requested, and some type of insulation may be installed in the ceiling of the building. He said that an attic could be installed in the top floor.
"Hopefully the top floor will be done with the help of a lot of volunteer work," former Stoughton mayor Helen Johnson said in a recent interview. Currently, she serves as the grants administrator for the youth center, and has spent a lot of her time finding the monies needed to keep this project moving. "The material we'll be using for the walls will be donated by Stoughton Trailers," she noted.
So far, approximately $320,000 has been raised through grants and donations, and fundraising coordinator Tim Swadley said the kids of the youth center have been doing their part throughout the year to support the center.
"We've raised several thousand dollars recently," Swadley said. "In 2008, we've had fundraisers at the bowling alley, the car wash, Stella's Speak Easy, two raffles, and fundraising at the Madison International Speedway and a Madison Mallards game."
The kids were able to make fun new experiences while they were working hard towards a new place to go after school, said Swadley.
"At Stella's, we had a Fourth of July celebration," he said. "And from the parking lot they could watch the fireworks. We set up a tent and outdoor grill, and (local band) Sharp & Harkins played. It was a fun night.
"This year, we plan on doing a lot of the events we did last year, and a few more."
On March 25, 2009, the Stoughton Culver's gave 10 percent of all of its sales to the youth center. Mike's Plaza Liquor has offered to allow the group three days to sell brats outside of the store during the summer, and two raffles are expected to be started this month.
"We're sending out letters to service organizations in the area, asking for their help in either selling raffle tickets, or in any other areas they might be able to. We've estimated that we need just under another $100,000 to complete the youth center," Swadley said.
If all of the funds are raised, and enough volunteers come out and help, the group expects to complete the youth center by the end of the year.
To find out how you can help, call youth center assistant manager Tammy Brooks at 646-0470.
