6/7/11 – Beaver Dam is one step closer to having a new Community and Community Center after unanimous acceptance of a free building by the Common Council last night. The donation from Charles and Gail Fakes was praised by city officials who say the location on 209 South Center Street will help continue their efforts toward downtown revitalization. City tax dollars will not be used for renovation. Community Activities and Services Coordinator Evonne Koeppen, who oversees the Senior Center, says they are determined to raise the money on their own and have plans in place move into the facility in phases as the money becomes available. Koeppen estimates it will cost $2.5 million to renovate the new building. A recent feasibility study determined that between $500,000 and $750,000 could be raised from private donations. The Senior Center currently has around $300,000 in an endowment fund.
