The Green Building Guild of Yamhill County celebrates another inspirational Green Building story in Yamhill County this coming Thursday, April 21st with their 2nd Annual Tour, Taste, Talk event. This year’s event celebrates the rebirth of the old Central Elementary School that was condemned following the 1993 earth quake into the newly opened Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg, Oregon. Out of the wood and bones of this magestic old school house comes a vibrant new gathering place for the community repleat with studios and classrooms that are used for everything from music, dancing and theater to glass blowing and other art classes.
The story of the birth of the Chehalem Cultural Center is a story well worth telling and learning from. The renovation of this old building and reinvention of its role in the community is the result of the inspiration, vision and hard work of the community. Unable to continue to use the building as a school following the 1993 earthquake, the Newberg School District sold the school building to the Parks Department for $1 in 1997. This began the journey of restoration and rebirth for the old building. The original brick walls were reinforced with plywood and well insulated to make the building stronger and more energy efficient. Wood from the gym floor was salvaged and used for the trim and doors and the original floors were resurfaced. All renovations are being done along a LEED pathway, which will result in an energy and resource efficient building that will continue to serve the community well into the future.
Though much renovation work has already been completed, there is still much more to be done. Eventually the Chehalem Cultural Center organizers hope to renovate Central’s old theater, which seats 240, and add a green room, dance studio, conference center, ballroom and kitchen. Further renovations will have to wait for more grants and donations.
The Green Building Guild’s Tour, Taste, Talk Event this Thursday, April 21st will feature a behind-the-scenes tour of the on-going renovation of the Chehalem Cultural Center and a program with a question and answer session, including the history of Central School building and the effects of the 1993 earthquake, details about building repairs, renovation, and LEED certification path, and planning for public spaces and the Chehalem Cultural District plan.
Guests will also enjoy tastings of local Argyle wine, Briar Rose cheeses and Honest Chocolates confections. Appetizers will be provided by Carlton’s Republic of Jam and desserts, coffee and tea will be provided by Bella Casa Real Estate Group. Taste of 808 will add some Hawaiian flavors to the mix with tastings and full dinner plates available for sale.
The cost is $5 per person. Space is limited and reservations are recommended. To reserve your space at this event or for more information visit www.yamhillgreenbuidling.com. Also see the attached flier for more details.
WHAT: 2nd Annual “Tour, Taste, Talk” Event
WHEN: April 21, 2011, 6 – 9 p.m.
WHERE: Chehalem Cultural Center, 415 E Sheridan, Newberg, OR 97132
RSVP: Green Building Guild of Yamhill County
971-832-9303
info@yamhillgreenbuilding.com
www.yamhillgreenbuilding.com
The purpose of this annual event is to show off an exceptional Yamhill County green building project and bring the public and industry professionals together to get a better understanding of green building practices. The mission of the Green Building Guild of Yamhill County is to provide a public forum for the exchange of experience and information to advance the principles and practice of Green Building. For more information about the Green Building Guild, membership opportunities and future events, visit their website at www.yamhillgreenbuilding.com.
My interest in nature, nurture and design are expressed in each of my paper collages. I am fascinated with symmetry and the use of repetitive shapes. I am inspired by the wondrous wisdom in contrasts, such as water carving stone or a bud taking shelter from the wind and gaining warmth from a stone. My collages are both representational and fantasy with a strong use of pattern. My favorite art movements are Art Nouveau and Japonisme.
