With major construction stopping traffic on Hartz Avenue, the Veteran's Hall renovation project is underway, and got a significant boost today with a $25,000 donation from the Danville-Sycamore Rotary.
The local chapter of the international organization chose the veteran's project as their "fund a cause" for this year's , providing much of the funds for the contribution.
"It just sets a real example for what we need for this project," said Vice Mayor Karen Stepper who received the check on behalf of the town Tuesday morning after a presentation describing the project.
Construction on the $7.7 million Veteran's Memorial Building project began on July 5 and is slated to last for 18 months.
The building will be a 13,000-square-foot facility replacing the old 6,300-square-foot complex. The two-story portion of the 85-year-old building is being preserved and renovated. The one-story auditorium was demolished and will be replaced by a community hall, classroom, meeting room and office space for the town's seniors programs.
Danville-Sycamore Rotary president Melanie Prole said the contribution includes sponsorship of a Veteran's meeting room and a plaque honoring the contribution.
"Our club has always been a strong supporter of our veterans," said Prole."We are a community club and felt it was one of the biggest things to happen in Danville."
Stepper said the newly renovated building will be a place where people will "have a chance to tell your stories and have your own legacy."
She hopes Rotary's donation will encourage others to contribute to the project.
She said: "You have stepped-up to a challenge that will set an example for the entire community."
