The Evendale Cultural Arts Center's long-awaited elevator is being installed this week, marking a milestone in an accessibility project that stretches back at least seven years.
The elevator was delivered and installation began the week of Aug. 10 at the center, located at 10500 Reading Road, according to the village's Aug. 4 council committee meeting minutes. The pottery studio closed the week of Aug. 4 in advance of the work. As of a July 14 council meeting, structural steel and metal framing were already complete, with the contractor finishing roofing and storefronts.
The project has deep roots. In September 2019, the village requested $700,000 in capital grant funding for the elevator and ADA improvements but was approved for only $125,000, prompting discussions about additional grant applications through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.
The installation caps a busy stretch for the arts center, which hosted the Big Art Party on Aug. 7, at the Bell Tower Arts Pavilion and is now displaying "The Really Awesome Youth Art Show."
Meanwhile, a feasibility study examining the future of both the Cultural Arts Center and the Bell Tower Arts Pavilion at 3270 Glendale Milford Road has gained traction. The Village of Evendale partnered with SHP Architecture and Design on the study, which collected more than 200 anonymous surveys before the Aug. 8 deadline. A steering committee recently met with camp counselors and Evendale Council members to discuss findings.
Cultural arts director Susan Gordy urged broad participation when the survey launched in June, saying residents' input would shape the future of both venues whether they had visited once or never at all.
The study will guide decisions about programming, facilities and how the two venues serve the community. No timeline for the architects' recommendations has been announced.
Council member Chris Patterson chaired the Aug. 4 committee meeting, attended by Mayor Richard Finan, council members Beth McDaniel, Wanda Walker-Smith, Tom Sextro and Steve Berke, along with Gordy. Evendale is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and arts center staff are preparing a history exhibit tied to the milestone.
Coming up in Evendale:
- Photo Focus exhibit: submission deadline Aug. 14
- Pool Bash: Friday, Aug. 28, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Early-bird tickets $5 per resident/$7 per resident's grandchild through Aug. 21; prices rise to $12/$14 after that date. No reservations after Aug. 27.
