Tue 11th Nov 2008 12:00 PM
Coeur d’Alene-With rafters exposed and patio heaters cooking to keep people warm, Major John Chamness and members of the Kroc Center Advisory Board opened the “doors” for a sneak preview of the facility on Oct. 23. None of the visitors seemed to mind the chilly weather as they sipped hot chocolate or noshed on hot dogs with sauerkraut from Crickets. Advisory board member Sandy Patano urged those in attendance to give to the center, which still needs dollars to be raised through private donations.
“If you believe in this project, help us identify people int his community who have yet to give,” Patano said. “Carefully consider what you can do to bring this Kroc Center to life.”
Sue Thilo, vice-chairwoman of the 34-member advisory board, is also the chairwoman of the donor relations committee. She said those who donate to the center through the end of the year will be recognized by having their names inscribed on the donor wall.
“All gifts will be recognized—they can certainly give and pledge over time,” Thilo said. The board has $800,000 yet to raise to bring the center–123,000 square feet total and three acres under roof–to life. Nonetheless, there are 170 to 180 workers on site every day getting a lot of work done each day, said Chamness, who led tours of the massive facility.
The complex is divided into two buildings. One building, which contains the chapel/theater is called the community building. The other building is the recreation building. The chapel will serve as a place of worship, but will also double as a place for theatrical productions, concerts and the like.
The theater seats 400. All the heating and air conditioning components are under the floor so noise is minimal during performances—and there’s no air blowing on patrons. Chamness said it also makes for great acoustics. Two catwalks are accessed by towering spiral staircases for dramatic productions, and there is plenty of room for an orchestra.
Outside and accessible from the indoor theater area, is an outdoor amphitheater which will seat approximately 100 people on the terracing, but more people can laze on the grass. The outdoor amphitheater is also adjacent to the Ramsey ball-fields. Chamness said kids playing ball will be able to enjoy the music, too.
The main entry and a lounge connect you to the recreation building. First stop, the Kroc Café, where you can pick up an espresso drink or snack. This building also houses the administrative offices and a full recording studio—so, if you are ready to cut your first CD here’s the place.
A zero-depth entry pool, the leisure pool, is one where you enter gradually, like at the beach. This is perfect for therapy or learning to swim. The multi-activity court is a polite way of saying huge gym. With 14,000 square feet, it’s three high school-size basketball courts together—so, three games can be going on at once. Chamness said the gym will showcase basketball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and much, much more, with room for 240 spectators. The floor is a synthetic material from Sweden that won’t require as much maintenance and will last longer than hardwood.
For graduations and similar events, the entire room can be used. There’s seating for 1,200 people on the floor.
Above the gym is a walk-jog track, and a smaller fitness space sits above two birthday party rooms with a water slide and lazy river. In addition to a fitness room for the muscle crowd, there is a room for aerobic classes and activities.
Then there’s the competitive swimming pool, 25 yards by 25 meters. It is 25 meters short of being identical to the pool Michael Phelps swam to victory in, but it’s the same kind—an Italian built, Myrtha pool, the most technologically advanced in the swimming pool industry. Its patented pre-engineered modular laminated steel panels and buttress system enables Myrtha to have perfect waterproofing and low maintenance. “This place will really help our competitive swimmers,” Chamness said.
Steve Walker, construction manager of the Kroc Center said for the number of people on the job every day, everyone is getting along and they recognize they’re working on a “signature building with significance to the community.”
The center is scheduled to have its grand opening in April.
By
Linda Ball
North
Idaho Business Journal, November 11, 2008
