GREAT
VALLEY CENTER MOVES INTO PERMANENT HOME
New Headquarters Another Signal
of Downtown Modesto Revitalization
MODESTO, California, July 22,
2003 - A renovated landmark building
in downtown Modesto officially reopens
its doors Thursday as the new permanent
headquarters for the Great Valley Center,
a private, nonprofit group focused on
economic, social and environmental issues
facing the Central Valley.
The
83-year old building, a former church
and historic landmark, now accomodates
the organization's staff in over 12,000
sq. ft. of office space. The structure
also includes a public community meeting
room featuring 25 foot high ceilings,
one of the most impressive in the region.
The
Center will celebrate its opening with
a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Thursday
July 24 and the building, located at 201
Needham, followed by a full day public
tours through 4:30 pm on Thursday.
The
restoration of the Art Deco style building
also includes contributions from artists
around the Central Valley. Matthew Frye,
a Clovis tilemaker incorporated indigenous
motifs such as red squirrels and California
Quails. Modesto native Lucinda Foy produced
a 35-foot long oil on canvas WPA-style
mural depicting the Valley over time.
Recent work by Reedley artist and farmer
Paul Buxman and Fresno artist Vincent
Mendez is also featured prominently.
The
restoration was led by San Francisco's
Gensler Architecture and took over one
year to complete. The renovation team
brought together touches that reflect
both the character of building's period
and the Center's mission of improving
quality of life in the Central Valley.
Among the unique elements include oak
hardwood floors from salvaged pulp log
decks; door hardware made from recycled
Coke bottles; and a laptop "hotelling"
station for employees who are not based
in Modesto but have the option of "teleworking".
The
Great Valley Center, founded in 1997,
is a private nonprofit organization. Its
mission is to support activities and organizations
working to improve the economic, social
and environmental well being of California's
Great Central Valley. More information
about the community open house can be
found at www.greatvalley.org or by calling
(209) 522-5103.
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Media Contact:
Richard Cummings
(209) 522-5103
