(Columbus, Neb.) - After years of careful planning and tireless work, the Columbus Community Building officially welcomed the public on July 8. The city officials, during the opening ceremony, highlighted that the construction of this facility was a result of the collective efforts of the Columbus community, hence its fitting name.
Mayor Jim Bulkley emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, acknowledging the contribution of numerous individuals at every stage, from the initial conception to the present opening. He emphasized the significance of working together as a means for Columbus to achieve its goals.
Bulkley stated, "Through collaboration, we have realized that working together yields fruitful results. This building is a shining example of what collaboration can achieve—uniting for the common good and the betterment of our community."
Funding for the community building was sourced from various channels. Approximately half of the funds were derived from available cash reserves and donations. In 2016, voters approved the implementation of a sales tax, which, in turn, financed a bond measure passed in November 2020. This bond measure utilized the sales tax revenue to finance the construction of the new facility. Previous attempts to secure bonds for a new library had failed.
Originally planned as a library, the project expanded beyond its initial scope over time. Mayor Bulkley attributed this evolution to the dedicated efforts of many individuals, expressing pride in the final outcome. He remarked, "This building is the culmination of years and years of hard work. Countless individuals have invested substantial effort into making this vision a reality. We are immensely proud of the result, and we want the community to take pleasure in it."
The community building encompasses multiple floors, each serving distinct purposes. The first floor incorporates a section of the Columbus Public Library, situated atop the site where the old library was demolished in 2021. Additionally, it houses the ongoing construction of the Columbus Area Children's Museum and features a branch of the Broken Mug named the Downtown Mug.
On the second floor, visitors will find further library facilities, specifically designated for children and teenagers. This floor also accommodates the museum's expansion, a maker studio, a space for the Friends of the Library organization, an art gallery, and the Columbus Arts Council headquarters.
Elley Coffin, executive director of the Columbus Arts Council and community coordinator for the city of Columbus, expressed her enthusiasm for the arts council regaining its dedicated space after losing it during the COVID-19 pandemic and the relocation from the original library building. She noted, "Having a permanent home, especially in a bustling building with constant foot traffic, is a wonderful prospect. We also look forward to infusing our space with life and activity. It's an exciting opportunity for us to contribute to the building and the wider community."
The third floor houses city hall, Columbus City Council chambers, and a community room for hosting events.
While the Downtown Mug and children's museum are still undergoing construction and are expected to be completed in the following months, the decision was made to open the completed portion of the building to the public on July 8. City Administrator Tara Vasicek expressed this sentiment during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the desire to provide the community with an opportunity to experience their new facility as soon as possible.
Vasicek stated, "Today, we gather to celebrate the culmination of a long journey—the grand opening of our community building. It serves as a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of our community. This building symbolizes our collective vision, driven by the aspiration to enhance the quality of life for our residents."
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