The city of Udall has been awarded a KAN STEP grant to improve an existing community building. The existing one story L shaped building measures 108 ft x 61 ft. The building was reconstructed following the 1955 tornado that completely destroyed the city. Exterior walls are 8-inch concrete block; painted concrete block is generally the interior surface. Interior spaces include a foyer, clubroom, main hall with stage, kitchen and restrooms. Other spaces include a utility room and two storage spaces. The building has been well maintained. This KAN STEP project will be centers around areas of energy efficiency and accessibility.
Structurally the building appears to be sound except the concrete floor slab at the main hall. The KAN STEP project will fund testing services by a soils engineer to verify the existing conditions under this area prior to finalizing the improvements. Drainage problems will also be corrected prior to replacement of the slab floor.
Additional work items will include the following: 1) replaced 1956 windows with insulated units; replace exterior doors with insulated metal units; insulate exterior concrete block walls with new wood framed walls at the interior face; replace ceiling tile with acoustical type; install new energy efficient lighting; reconfigure two existing restrooms to provide two ADA accessible restrooms with new fixtures; replace plumbing lines at the entire building; install new vinyl floor covering in the entire building; install new guttering and install a new fireproof stage curtain.
The architect is Dan Hall, AIA, with BG Consultants, Inc., Manhattan, KS. The Kansas Rural Water Association will provide inspection services and technical assistance, with grant administration by Ranson Financial Consultants, LLC, Wichita.
The KAN STEP grant amount is $300,000; the local volunteers will donate $203,503 in labor and other services.