The chilly first day of November was warmed with all the excited smiles coming through the doors of the Huss Project to discover the new plans for this historic building. With cups filled to the brim with hot cider and anticipation, our neighbors, friends, and even alumni from Huss’ school days all gathered together in the old kindergarten room to share what our imaginations could envision for this space.
Rob and Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma, co-directors of *culture is not optional, started off the night with a presentation explaining the Giant Step we’re taking to remodel the kindergarten room and the library just above on the second floor. This ambitious plan will turn these two rooms into what will become the Imaginarium, a place where our minds and hearts can grow through telling our stories, opening our imaginations, expressing our creativity, and building friendships as we explore how we live in community with each other.
To make this whole project possible, the Huss Project is raising $50,000 through Patronicity, a platform that facilitates crowdfunding for public spaces. If we reach our goal, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will provide a matching grant of another $50,000. The generosity of friends and neighbors came together Thursday night to join us in this Giant Step, raising over $25,000 on the first night of our campaign! Friends also came forward to offer their time and talents to help with the remodeling of this space, offering their ideas, willing hands, and encouragement for the successful beginnings of the Imaginarium.
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support the kick-off of the Giant Step Campaign, and we’re excited for all the friends who will join us in these new transformations at the Huss Project.