Mar 14, 2016 2 min read

Plans for a new Bentworth Community Center facility are progressing, but the project will be completed in phases because of budget issues.

Since the capital campaign kicked off in June, a combination of fundraising and grants yielded $1.05 million of the $1.9 million necessary to renovate and expand the building that houses Bentleyville Public Library, Bentworth Senior Center and Bentleyville Area Historical Society.

A phased plan is necessary because two grants require construction to commence this year, said Bernard Kubitza, library treasurer.

The first phase, to begin in the fall, will include a total renovation of the existing structure – built in 1909 – including a roof, insulation, heating and air conditioning system, electrical wiring, plumbing and windows.

A new front lobby and elevator providing access to both floors also is planned.

“As additional monies become available, we will work to expand the building to provide additional space,” Kubitza said Monday.

The library will be moved temporarily to another site while work is under way. The timing and location of that move have not been determined. Phase one is scheduled to be complete in 2017.

The building, located at 931 Main St., Bentleyville, is the former Lower End Elementary School. In the 1970s, the borough acquired the property and created a library and community center.

In 2012, it was turned over to the library board of trustees, Kubitza said.

“Very little has been done to maintain or update the building,” he said. “Forty years without much work – there’s a lot to be done.”

Fundraising efforts will continue, including the sale of commemorative bricks to be used in the center’s patio. The campaign committee also will apply for more grants as state funding is made available.

“I think there was some doubt (initially) whether we would be able to pull the project off. I think people are pleasantly surprised we have succeeded in securing over a million dollars,” Kubitza said. “We have, over the last seven months, received over a half a million (dollars) in gifts, and I think that’s an amazing undertaking for a small community.”

The facility serves residents of Bentleyville, Cokeburg and Ellsworth boroughs and North Bethlehem and Somerset townships.

Project information, donation opportunities and a list of donors can be found at www.bentworthcommunitycenter.com.