Remodeling and facility updates are moving along at Waitsburg Town Hall

WAITSBURG—The long list of renovations for the Waitsburg Town Hall is quickly getting shorter. Board members have been busy painting, installing new fans, and completely remodeling the commercial kitchen.

Right now, the kitchen at the Main Street building is nothing more than an empty shell with a couple of exposed water pipes. Even most of the sheetrock has been torn down, but it’s all with the promise of a more accessible, user-friendly space.

The remodel starts at the kitchen’s door, with a new handwashing sink replacing the old silverware cart. A commercial dishwasher/sanitizer, a multi-bay sink, and rinse off station will help with quick clean up after events.

On the back wall, a new stovetop, oven, and 36” griddle will make breakfast events a breeze. Jim Davison, who sits on the Town Hall Board, said they are looking at adding a bigger motor to the exhaust system to support a large hood and fan above the cooking appliances.

A large walkway is being added for easier access to the storage room. The board is hoping to have at least one mobile countertop to quickly move items between the kitchen and main hall. They are also hoping to expand the size of existing doorways to meet ADA guidelines.

The heavy slide-up door over the serving counter has limited days. Davison said they plan on redoing that wall, adding cupboards and extended counter space, and replacing the current serving counter door with accordion-style doors. That heavy slide-up door has been the source of more than a few light-hearted complaints over the years.

“A lot of people who use the kitchen are seniors, and this door is just too heavy,” Davison said. “It’s time for something new.”

Davison said the push for all the updates came from the new board members, who were elected last November. Louie and Marie Gagnon, and Allen Huwe have been working hard at Town Hall since February. Starting in the foyer with new paint, they are making their way through the main hall, back to the kitchen.

“Marie has seen things that many boards have missed,” Davison said. “Her help has been more than appreciated.”

The board has received some outside help, too. Matt Tunnell, who helped remodel the Prescott Lions Club building, has been lending a hand with tear down and floor plans. Davison said many other Town Hall board members have been involved as well.

The project is funded by money raised from Town Hall fundraisers. Tickets to a dinner canceled earlier this spring played a role.

“We had to cancel the dinner, so we decided to make the best of the time and get some projects done,” Davison said, referring to the event that was postponed by the coronavirus outbreak. The Town Hall Board plans on holding a dinner, once the pandemic restrictions are lifted, and tickets that people purchased earlier this year will be honored.

As the board wraps up the preparation phase, they do have some kitchen equipment for sale. A built-in dishwasher and a used stove are both available for purchase. To purchase equipment, contact Jim Davison at (509) 337-6110.