A McCall nonprofit is closer to making a planned, large community center a reality.
The Ponderosa Center aims to bring music, the arts, and educational opportunities to Valley County. The nonprofit currently hosts community events such as free concerts and music festivals at its outdoor Ludwig Terrace in McCall. But now, the Ponderosa Center has secured key funding to help open an indoor performing arts and community center by Payette Lake.
The proposed plan for the project is a 29,800-square-foot building next to Legacy Park overlooking Payette Lake between East Lake Street and Railroad Avenue. The building will have “traditional” performing art center features, but it could also be used for classes, conventions, and community and school events. It would have a multi-level lobby with lake and mountain views, a stage, and an indoor/outdoor performing terrace.
The center would also house the McCall Ski Heritage Foundation exhibits.
Lakefront vision
The Ponderosa Center has now received enough privately donated funds to acquire the .83-acre parcel for the center. The Carey Family of McCall are the current landowners and benefactors of the center.
“We have owned this property for nearly 30 years and have always debated its best use. We wanted it to be something that could be enjoyed by everyone in our community, but struggled to define what that could be,” David Carey said. “When we were approached by the Ponderosa Center years ago, it became clear to the family that this could be the ideal use. A beautiful building for so many folks to enjoy year-round, downtown and looking at Payette Lake. Not sure what could be better than that.”
The Ponderosa Center’s project plan has slightly shifted from its original concept. The landowners acquired more land on the corner of the adjacent lot that will also be transferred to the center. The building would now be closer to Pine Street. The center said this would allow for more parking space and access.
“We had been hoping to consolidate the parcels in this area for quite some time,” Ponderosa Center President, Chet Wood said. “It was perfect timing for the corner lot to become available right as we hit our fundraising goal to secure the land.”
This move, however, would minimally change the current center designs. All costs will be covered by private donations – no tax dollars will be used for the construction of the center. The non-profit has raised over $2 million for programs, events, and capital campaigns to pay for the land. The Ponderosa Centers’ goal is to secure another $25 million to cover construction and initial operation costs.
“We’re excited for what comes next,” Wood said. “One of the most gratifying things about the Ponderosa Center’s evolution is that we have been able to offer community programming and see the positive impact from that for several years now as we work toward the long-term vision.”
