(Editor’s note: This story is part of a series about a proposed youth center in Marion. Every few weeks, we will feature more information with updates about the project.)
Managing editor
It was a story with a surprise ending.
There was a group that needed a building to promote programs for local youths.
There was a bank in town that had a building that it couldn’t sell.
The bank decided it would give the building to the group — as a gift with no strings attached — for the youth center.
Since when does a bank give away a building?
“When a bank can’t sell it the conventional way,” Central National Bank President Todd Heitschmidt said.
Central National Bank owned the property at 1220 E. Main St., Marion, formerly Mike’s Service Center.
“For more than two years, we had tried to market the property,” Heitschmidt said, “but it wasn’t usable for its former use.”
Full-service gas stations are no longer in demand.
There was one serious developer who was considering the property for a retail business but it didn’t pan out.
“I had contacted the logical entities who could use the property,” Heitschmidt said, including USD 408 and the City of Marion.
The bank needed to move the property. The bank decided to give the building as a charitable contribution to Marion Advancement Campaign, a 501(c)3, not-for-profit entity. The foundation then would give it to Marion Youth Advancement Committee for a youth center.
Bank officers approved the transaction and the deed was drawn and recorded.
Organizers of the youth group had raised money specifically for the purchase and renovation of a building.
“With purchasing no longer an expense, the group now can concentrate on renovations,” Heitschmidt said, and he’s hoping there will be some more good to come from this first generous act.
“Maybe there’s a plumber or a contractor out there who would like to donate materials or time to help out the organization,” he said. “I challenge other people to get involved with mYac and help get this building finished.”
Heitschmidt is passionate about this project because he knows that local youths are the future of this community.
“What have we offered our youths?” Heitschmidt said, regarding activities that teens would enjoy.
Marion is fortunate because it does have a bowling alley with a game room where teens go but this community needs more, he said.
“There’s a group of interested parents and kids who can make this thing work,” Heitschmidt said.
Originally, mYac was looking for a downtown building with a storefront. Since teens hang out in the downtown district, it seemed to be a logical location. The donated building is not in the downtown district but is still considered a prime location.
It is in close proximity to Marion Elementary School and USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center and within walking distance of the baseball complex and Warrior Stadium.
The property has adequate parking and room for growth if the need arises.
Benefit for the bank
Besides supporting the community, Central National Bank also enjoyed the tax write-off for making a charitable contribution.
Others in the community can do the same thing, Heitschmidt said.
“Many people and businesses are looking for end-of-the-year tax write-offs,” he said. “Making a donation to Marion Advancement Committee (with funds being given to mYac) benefits everyone. And it keeps the money here in town.”
For more information about MAC, call Heitschmidt at (620) 382-5600.