The Palmetto Terrace Ballroom at the municipal building is becoming a destination for wedding parties and local businesses, but it's not putting the community center out of business any time soon.
The Palmetto Terrace Ballroom was estimated to bring in $75,000 in revenue for 2009 since its July opening, and has generated about $56,000 so far, said Nancy Payne,facilities and events supervisor.
About 40 rentals are booked at the facility, including 10 that are scheduled for 2010.
"I have had one customer with five different meetings here," Payne said, noting that clients are happy with the venue.
With the new facility open, renovations have begun at the North Augusta Community Center to give it a new look to keep current customers returning.
The siding has been replaced with hardy board, roof repairs were made, the walls were textured, interior doors are refinished, porcelain tile was installed and the dance floor in the banquet room is refinished.
The next big project on the list of renovations is to change the look of the bathrooms. Payne said she expects to have contractors begin the bathrooms in mid-September.
"We started (renovations) in March," she said. "We've had rentals around the improvements."
The two venues will offer a completely different atmosphere, she said.
The community center, built in 1986, is getting a traditional look that "is not trendy of the time," she said.
It's getting a "lodge" feel whereas the Palmetto Terrace Ballroom is more formal, Payne said.
"I'm really proud of what we've accomplished so far," she said. So far renovations have cost $149,000 and they were allotted $500,000 from sales tax funds.
"We are our own contractor and that saves a lot of money," she said.
Funding also includes updating the landscaping at the community center.
"I'd like to do a small courtyard just outside the front door with seating and potted plants, maybe a nice covered pergola," Payne said.
The center lacks a place to sit and converse outside, she said.
Payne said she hopes all renovations will be complete by the end of December.
Right now neither facility is completely booked, but Payne said by October facilities will fill up quickly.
"When October gets here we will hit the ground running," she said.
Reach Crystal Garcia at crystal.garcia@northaugustatoday.com.
AT A GLANCE
North Augusta Community Center
HOLDS: 500 people in large banquet room
RENTS: $850 for 8-hour weekend rental; $475 to rent half the room Monday-Friday
Palmetto Terrace Ballroom
HOLDS: 600 people
RENTS: $1800 for 10-hour weekend rental, additional hours can be purchased; $600 daytime or $800 evening weekday rentals
