Despite a downturn in the nation’s economy, projects in Marion continue to develop in 2010.

Hospital

Though rain Sept. 15 held up pouring of concrete footings, St. Luke Hospital officials are choosing flooring, furniture upholstery, and wall paint, hospital chief executive officer Jeremy Armstrong said.

The hospital renovation began in July to expand the physical therapy department and the emergency room, update the operating room, and renovate inpatient rooms to outpatient treatment areas.

Armstrong expects the new construction to be enclosed by the beginning of November so workers can work indoors during the winter weather.

With all the work to be done, “There really is not much of the existing hospital that won’t be remodeled to blend in with the facility,” Armstrong said.

He expects the project to be completed by October or November 2011.

Fundraising has been ongoing for the project to cover incidentals not included in the $6.5 million bond. About $200,000 in tax credits are available to those who qualify.

Anyone wanting to make a donation should contact Mike Norris at (620) 382-2177 or e-mail him at mike.norris@slhmarion.org.

The foundation office is located on the east side of St. Luke Physician Clinic, 504 S. Freeborn St., Marion.

City auditorium

There was a time when the 1940s-era Marion City Auditorium was the only facility of its kind in town.

With the addition of the USD 408 Performing Arts Center, the old auditorium became an opportunity for development.

City officials and auditorium board members had discussed options. Suggestions included a much-needed facility for wedding receptions, seminars, and meetings.

Marion Advancement Campaign, a non-profit organization, stepped up and assumed the responsibility for the renovation with Gene Winkler at the helm the past four weeks. Winkler is coordinating the work — doing much of the labor himself — using MAC funds to purchase materials.

MAC was organized to raise funds for a community center, which would have included a movie theatre and area for receptions and activities. When fundraising for the center didn’t come together, the organization searched for another project to support.

“MAC wanted to contribute to the community and this was something we could do,” he said.

The main level auditorium seats have been removed and will be sold. Proceeds from the sale will be returned to the auditorium project.

Currently, Winkler is leveling the main, graded floor with a wooden floor. Interior walls will be painted and carpet will be installed.

The stage will remain.

“It’s going to be so useful for regional seminars or any type of meeting for a regional government entity,” he said.

Auxiliary shop

Volunteers of St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shoppe didn’t know what was going to happen when the building they were renting was in foreclosure.

Not wanting to see St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary without a place for its thrift shop, Marion Economic Development Director Doug Kjellin purchased the building at 404 E. Main St., Marion, on his own to keep the thrift store downtown.

“They’re so great to the community,” he said.

Kjellin went to the building foreclosure sale Sept. 1, out of curiosity. The bank bought back the property, but he could see that two members of the auxiliary were nervous about the situation.

“I was concerned that someone would come along with a half-cooked idea, push out the auxiliary and then close,” he said.

“We were very, very grateful that Doug came through,” shop manager Rosemary Garrard said. “We didn’t have anyplace to go in Marion. We would have dispersed the operation.”

Garrard said there was no downtown building large enough to accommodate the business. And what a business it has been. During the five years of operation, more than $145,000 has been given to the hospital. The auxiliary also has pledged $120,000 to the hospital project from shop proceeds.

Besides raising money for the hospital, the shop is an asset to the community by giving items to those in need.

The upstairs of the building is unused. Kjellin was thinking of creating a small recording studio there, but is still open to suggestions.

“It’s so cool up there. It’s in great shape,” he said. “The possibilities are endless.”

Youth Center

Volunteers were not able to finish the Marion Youth Center for a “Fifth-Down Party” after Marion’s first home game, like Kjellin hoped.

However, he said the center is close to completion after Marion Police Chief Josh Whitwell organized a team of painters.

Kjellin said the painting is largely complete and volunteers need to finish the ceiling. The next step will be moving furniture and games into the center.

“The fun stuff,” Kjellin said.

The center has been in the works for several years. The building on East Main, formerly Mike’s Service Center, was given to Marion Youth Advancement Committee for the center.

Kjellin is aiming for an Oct. 1 completion, coinciding with Marion High School’s home football game against Sedgwick.

Movie premiere

“The Last Days of Shaniko” was primarily filmed in Marion this past summer to take advantage of the Historic Elgin Hotel and Bed and Breakfast and other locations.

The film is in postproduction and there’s a possibility of having the world premier for the movie at the city auditorium.

A clip of the movie, available online at www.horseoutofthegate.webs.com, features Marion residents Chuck McLinden, Greg Bowers, Brett Billings, and Kjellin.