City Operation and Community Uses
It is intended that after the renovation of the building is complete, the building will be operated by the City and utilized by the entire community as a gathering place. The city is in critical need of this space. The current city offices do not comply with the American with Disabilities Act. The City library is wholly inadequate - this critical service is wanting for reading areas, storage, and computer stations. Also, there is no facility in the city with space sufficient to hold larger meetings or conferences which have been identified as a problem in the City’s Economic Plan. The only facility in the City where large special events can take place is the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. By offering conference space, future attendees would benefit the City by patronizing local businesses, such as motels, restaurants, and gas stations.
Wakefield is at the gateway to the one million-acre Ottawa National Forest and relies heavily on the tourism industry. A modern conference center will capitalize on these visitors and be a boost for the region. A community center will provide a meeting and education center for the high percentage of senior citizen and low and moderate income residents. As a community facility, the unique features of the Wakefield Memorial Building include the following:
· Auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,100 (equals the capacity of the Rosa Center at Michigan Tech)
· City library (70’x70’) equipped with a story room, computer workstations, and an adult and children’s area
· Swimming pool (30’x60’) which ranges in depths from three feet to nine feet six inches on the diving end
· Council chamber room (50’x26’)
· City offices
· Banquet hall with full service kitchen
Finally, 5,000 sq. ft. has been dedicated to incubator space for new industry at a nominal cost to prospective users. With an unemployment rate in the county of 7 percent, creating jobs is paramount. By providing this space to upstart companies, Mr. Suomi hopes that it will lure companies and generate new ones. In time, he intends to provide a venture fund to further this effort.