So many of us utilize the Community Center building. It belongs to every islander and serves as an important gathering place for all of us. Visit the building on a rainy day and you will witness families playing games, painting ceramics or visiting the library. The building has become more important to our community as the island continues to grow and the demand for new programming increases. Whether you have lived on the island for a long time, are a new owner or a long time renter, the Community Center building has been an integral part of your Frye Island Experience.
The Community Center building has not had any significant renovations since 1991. The EXCOM initiated exploring the need to assess the condition of the building in 2019 in order to provide a safe and inviting environment for all islanders to enjoy. While the building was determined to be structurally sound there were safety and maintenance issues that needed to be addressed. Last year the EXCOM voted to move forward with the project.
Phase One began in Spring of 2022. Heating and air conditioning were installed on the left side of the building, a lift was installed to provide access to the second floor, new flooring was installed in the Great Room, balcony and lobby areas, the chimney was removed and water damage repaired, electrical was updated in the kitchen area and the entire lobby area was painted and reconfigured. The total cost of Phase One was $196,240.00. Donations in kind and cash donations accounted for $93,050 of the project.
Phase Two of the project is ready to go, but the Town does not have funds available to contribute to the cost. Phase Two includes heating and air conditioning the remaining areas of the building, building a two story storage area, provide access control to the building, change the lighting in the Great Room, install new siding, install emergency exit doors on the first and second floors, replace stair treads. The total cost of Phase Two is $128,000. At this time, the Town has no additional funds they can provide. Thus far, donations in kind have been received in the amount of $34,000. Additional cash donations in the amount of $94,000 are needed to complete the work identified for Phase Two Phase Three of the project will include replacement of all windows throughout the building, removal of wall fans, repair existing electrical issues including lighting and create a gathering area on the balcony area for adult social events. The estimated cost of Phase Three is $125,000.
The Community Center Building needs your help. In order to finish Phase Two and Three we need to raise at least $219,000. That number will most probably be more as the work progresses since all materials are priced at current cost and anticipated to increase next year. As a result, the goal of the campaign is to raise $250,000. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many islanders that have donated their time and efforts to this project, with a special thanks the Clement, Vesprini and Hartman families for their generous donations of equipment and materials during phase I. We would not be where we are today without your help in making this exciting project a success. Thank You!
Please consider making a donation to this project. The refurbishing of the Community Center will enrich the lives of
islanders today and for future generations.
Donations can be made to the Town of Frye Island/Community Center by check, cash, securities and in-kind.
Thank you for your support!