Augusta's $100 million Salvation Army Kroc Center is officially under construction.
Related StoriesMore than 200 people celebrated its groundbreaking Wednesday with gratitude, enthusiasm and prayers.
"This will be a place of dreams," promised Commissioner Max Feener, the commander of the Salvation Army's Southern Territory. "Young people who don't have a chance will be given a chance at excelling."
The groundbreaking for the 100,000-square-foot complex on 17 acres, he said, was the culmination of five years of work that included the unprecedented task of raising $20 million in local contributions to qualify for the broader gift -- totaling $67.8 million -- from the Kroc Foundation.
By the time the project opens in June 2011, officials hope to have about 4,000 families as members, along with a broad network of volunteers who will use and operate its aquatics center, performing arts hall, gymnasium and other amenities.
Maj. William Mockabee, the commander of the Salvation Army's Georgia Division, reminded everyone that the organization's mission goes beyond the brick and mortar of the buildings that it is working to create.
"It's about the transformation of lives -- of men and women, boys and girls," he said. "It will happen here."
One of the Augusta project's unique features, which is being used as a model for Kroc Centers in other cities, will be a "first stop center" in a separate building from the main complex, where as many as 20 organizations will help assess and steer families to programs that can help them.
"This is the beginning of something spectacular that will be happening in Augusta for many years to come," Mockabee said.
Other speakers included Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver, who said the center will have far reaching benefits to the community through its varied job training programs and other partnerships.
"So many people have selflessly worked together to make this project a reality," he said. "It's just amazing what can happen when people work together."
Copenhaver also thanked the committee that raised the funds needed to qualify for the Kroc program, and in particular thanked Boone Knox, the chairman of the committee for whom the center's signature cross tower will be named.
"Boone, thank you," Copenhaver told Knox. "Thank you to your entire family."
Capt. Todd Mason, the Augusta Kroc Center administrator, reminded the crowd that overflowed the ceremonial tent that the center will bring big changes for Augusta and also for the Harrisburg community where it is being built.
In the future, he predicted, Augustans and others will attend concerts and performances, worship services, swimming programs and countless other events at the center.
"Today, construction begins," he said. "In the end, it will have been all of you, with your passion, your time and your talents, that allowed this to happen."
The Salvation Army, he noted, has had a presence in Augusta since 1891 -- and plans to be here well into the future.
Construction on the Kroc Center will begin immediately. R.W. Allen, LLC of Augusta was awarded the contract in January.
- The total project value is $100.2 million, which includes $10 million in credits for existing facilities and programs and $22.4 million raised locally. The balance will come from a $67.8 million gift from the Kroc foundation.
- The foundation's gift is divided in half: $33.9 million for construction and the remaining $33.9 million set aside as an operating endowment.
- The estimated opening date will be in June 2011, allowing for a 16-month construction period. The main contractor is R.W. Allen, LLC.
- The center will employ 102 people, with numerous other positions for volunteers.
- The primary building will encompass 75,000 square feet, with a 10,000-square-foot "first stop center" that will include space for social service organizations, in addition to 12 renovated houses, a chapel and a five-acre park along the Augusta Canal with an amphitheater. Total square footage will be about 100,000.
- Membership fees for the aquatics center, gym and other programs remain under development, but are expected to be set on a sliding, income-based scale with full scholarships available.
- Kroc Center funds are not used for Salvation Army programs such as its shelter or soup kitchen, and the Salvation Army's existing homeless shelter and drug treatment programs will not move into the new Kroc Center.
- People interested in donating to the Kroc Center can purchase commemorative bricks at $50 apiece, with more details available at www.krocaugusta.org or donations can be mailed to the Salvation Army, 1384 Greene St., Augusta, GA 30901, and designated for Kroc or other programs. For information on volunteer opportunities, call Ingrid Tutt at (706) 364-4061.
Comments
You can see that Augusta will provide needs necessary when all of Augusta sees a benefit from this project. Unlike most of the nonsense projects in Augusta, this one has merit. I take my hat off to those who responded with donations and pledges to make this happen.
Excellent work. I'm so proud of my city for making this project a reality.
Ah, okay. It's glad to finally know what that thing is going to be. I kept seeing those ads about saying yes to Kroc, and I had no idea what that was.
Congratulations and thanks to all involved in making this a reality. When it's completed and running smoothly, will y'all take over the DDA? Pretty please?
Great, so where do we go to seek employment?
"It was a good day in Augusta". Rare. Words and song in praise to God. Thanks to many individuals who have made this dream possible. I think this is the greatest single "positive event" in my seven decades as an Augusta resident. There is no finer organization that The Salvation Army. It is no wonder that the Kroc Family chose SA to receive and be the "stewards" of this tremendous funding. The dedication of the SA is unparalleled in the modern world of "charity". Hard working, dedicated men and women, black and white who see their mission as "God's Work". The SA does it in most efficient way. In fact, funds that would have gone to the SA have over the years been siphoned off by "look alike missions". The wide spread "duplication of services" means more overhead, more chances for fraud and fewer needy actually helped. The Kroc can be a "light in a dark place". Work done to God's glory can change Harrisburg. The "Master" can unite people for service.
In 2010 Augusta will have good days everyday. Augusta will outperform the entire state of GA in 2010. Our unemployment is already lower than the state and national level.
The bio-tech community at MCG continues to move forward.
The National Security Agency(one of three in the world) opens this year. Which will bring 4,000 high paying jobs and 1,000 I.T. specialist.
A $112 million Dental school under construction in the Medical District. MCG 150 student room dorm, outpatient center, School of Medicine, and Educational Commons are being built on the property too.
Underwood Homes on Sandbar ferry is boarded up. They're about to be demolished. New residential is taking the place of the former housing projects. This is the second housing project the city has demolished. Gilbert Manor where MCG is building was the first.
Several new neighborhoods and townhome communites in Laney Walker. Including the James Brown towhomes, Whispering Pines, and Holley street corridor. The Walks on James Brown boulevard are underway.
There is a Four Points by Sheraton under construction. The new $25 million Sheraton opened in January.
A library, judicial center, and saint sebastian are underway downtown.
There are several new lofts and other residential downtown.
There is a 100 acre plus mix use development in West Augusta. Located between ADP and T-Mobile. The development takes up Frontage and Flowing Wells roads.
A $40 million Tee Center, $10 million parking garage, and $25 million Hyatt start construction downtown. In March-April
Several other big developments happening in Augusta in 2010. There are developments in the suburbs of Augusta too.
Augusta will host The 2010 International Mountain Biking Asscociation May 5-8. This will be the largest IMBA to date.
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/06_09/06_12_2010_World_Summit_Hos...
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