The Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC) has awarded a $75,000 matching grant to Sugar Creek Art Center (SCAC) to convert an outdated freight elevator to a passenger elevator.  The current elevator is not fit for passenger use, which limits access for visitors with disabilities.  Converting the elevator provides accessibility to both the second and third floors of the art center, increasing exhibit space and the possibility for events to be held on all three levels.

The second floor currently houses a gallery, Book Nook and several studios which are rented out to individual artists.  The third floor has not yet been renovated, but opening up access to it will allow for approximately 4000 square feet of additional space.  The board of SCAC has considered several options for it, including event space and a children’s theater.

The multi-year grant included a challenge to SCAC to raise $25,000 in 2013 and another $50,000 in 2014.  The all-volunteer organization surpassed their goal and raised $77,839 for the project through several fundraisers, additional grants and donations from individuals, local organizations and businesses.  Construction on the elevator will begin soon, and should be completed by the fall.

“We are celebrating our 10th year and what better way to celebrate than installing a new passenger elevator for access in our building?  Over our ten years, we have heard from many people of our need to provide access other than steps,” explained Karen Wright, SCAC Board President.

CFBC Board Chairman Marc Applegate said, “The Community Foundation is proud to support this opportunity for growth for Sugar Creek Art Center.  They are a hidden gem in Boone County and we hope that providing a path for expansion of their services will help them expose even more people in our community to the arts.”