Officials Break Ground on $2 Million Fenton Community Center Project

The expansion of the Fenton Community & Cultural Center has begun.

City officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday and dug their shovels into the dirt for the expansion to the historic building.

“This is a historic event," city manager Lynn Markland said. "It's been a long time in anticipation."

The initial phase of the combined renovation/addition will cost $2 million. The addition will include two studios dedicated to arts and culture. Also included in the project, Will  be improved handicapped accessibility to the building and restroom facilities. With a major investment from the City of Fenton DDA, a federal block grant for the elevator and  money secured from earlier fundraising efforts, a total of $1.4 million has been secured to date.

"It's worth the investment from the DDA and the private donors," DDA Chairman Craig Schmidt said. "It's essential for the city of Fenton and the surrounding area to have a good, strong community center."

It is envisioned that the additional facilities for the arts and culture will facilitate an expanded use of the Center for arts events and programs.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring and finish next year.

"It's a proud day for the city of Fenton," the community center's board of governors president Doran Kasper said.