The Hub: Viroqua's Gathering Place
A PLACE FOR VIROQUA TO COME TOGETHER
THE HUB: VIROQUA’S
GATHERING PLACE
Our community has long needed a flexible, welcoming venue large enough for classes, workshops, indoor markets, meetings, celebrations, and events.
Western Technical College has already invested $1.8 million to create the unfinished 2,100-square-foot space just next door to McIntosh Memorial Library. Now we have the opportunity to bring The Hub to life.
The Hub is a shared community space with programming shaped and led by the people who use it.
HOW WILL YOU USE THE HUB?
- Classes and workshops
- Indoor markets and community meals
- Club meetings and conferences
- Youth programs and senior gatherings
- Performances and rehearsals
- Private celebrations and public events
The McIntosh Memorial Library needs a larger gathering space to accommodate the number of participants in existing and future programs. The current program room has an occupancy limit of 35 people. There is also a great need for overall community space for meetings, seminars, trainings, workshops, and social gatherings.
THE HUB HIGHLIGHTS:
- Capacity for up to 129 people
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Flexible layout and fully furnished
- Modern audiovisual equipment and pull-down screen
- Kitchenette, lounge area, storage, and two restrooms
- Proposed hours of use: 7 a.m.–10 p.m., seven days a week, for a modest fee
- Convenient street-level access near plenty of parking
WHERE IS THE HUB?
In 2016 the City of Viroqua, McIntosh Memorial Library and Western Technical College opened their shared facility to the public in downtown Viroqua. Western invested approximately 1.8 million dollars into the construction of future community space at 207 S. Rock Avenue for the City, Library, and community to use. The financing and design of the space is the responsibility of the McIntosh Memorial library and City of Viroqua. Once complete, the room will be fully furnished with a kitchenette, bathrooms, and seating for 129 people. It is anticipated that the room will be available to rent seven days per week from 7:00am-10:00pm.
Timeline
Conversations about the buildout of the space inside Western Technical College began in late 2021 and continue today. The Western Technical College Board of Directors, City of Viroqua Administration, City Council and Library Board have all voted to support raising money to complete the buildout of the room.
Project cost:
Estimated at $500,000. Construction costs must be covered by grant dollars and private donors. The Library Director is responsible for completing the fundraising campaign.
Construction:
Once funds are raised, construction can begin. The general contractor estimates 6-8 weeks to complete construction. The goal is to open The Hub in 2027.
Occupancy: Western Technical College has agreed to a 20-year no-cost lease with the City of Viroqua. The library is responsible for managing the space and generating income to cover utility and custodian expenses.
Help Open the Doors
PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION OR TWO-YEAR PLEDGE
Over the past few years, the Library’s campaign has raised over $250,000 of the $500,000 needed to complete this project. Upon reaching 90%, final designs can be submitted to WTC and the buildout can begin, with sights set on opening in 2027.
All donors, unless requesting anonymity, will be
publicly recognized. Memorial gifts are welcome.
Please make checks payable to McIntosh Memorial
Library, with The Hub in the memo line, and mail to:
McIntosh Memorial Library
205 South Rock Avenue, Viroqua, WI 54665
THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF VIROQUA!