The Center for Great Neighborhoods celebrated a pair of big achievements on Thursday afternoon – with tons of guests.
It’s the 40th anniversary of the neighborhood advocacy group and development organization – and the birthday party was held at the Center’s new home, a beautifully renovated Hellmann Lumber Building which will now be known as the Hellmann Creative Center.
The historic building retains much of its industrial character on the outside and the interior, but it is fully equipped with modern amenities and design and the Center now leases space to artists. The Carnegie will also house its theater workshop at the site. Hub + Weber, the Covington-based architecture firm worked with the Center on the project.
Thursday’s celebration included a pig roast and food from nearby restaurants, live music, and the unveiling of a bust of artist Raymond Thunder-Sky.
Just how big of a transformation are we talking here? Take a look at our photos from before the renovation here.
Timeline of the Center’s move to Hellmann
October, 2013: The Center acquires the Hellmann Lumber Building at public auction
June, 2014:Â The Center is awarded $1.45 million grant for Hellmann project and other developments
Februar, 2015:Â Hellmann Building plays host to COV200Â kick-off event
April, 2015: Hellmann Lumber Building added to National Register of Historic Places
September, 2015: Photos: Celebration at Hellmann as renovation work is set to begin
December, 2015:Â The Center Story podcast: Plans for the Hellmann Creative Center
August, 2016:Â The Center moves from its home on Russell Street
See the photos from Thursday’s event below – and be on the lookout for RCN’s upcoming feature profile on The Center, where it came from, and where it’s headed.
-Michael Monks, editor & publisher
