The Center celebrates 40 years with grand opening of new facility

The Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington is celebrating its 40th anniversary by welcoming the public into its new home at The Hellmann Creative Center. Formerly the Hellmann Lumber Mill, the building is a historic staple within the West Covington community that has sat vacant for the past 20 years.
 
“The Hellmann Creative Center is a great place for The Center to continue our work in Covington,” says Shannon Ratterman, program manager of community development at The Center. “We see the Hellmann Creative Center as an opportunity for us to bring together people from all walks of life to interact with artists, have creative experiences, improve their own lives, and participate in meaningful community improvement projects.”
 
The new facility will house eight artist studios and two community event spaces, in addition to The Center’s offices.
 
Grand opening festivities will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 15, as Covington neighbors and friends will get the chance to take a look at The Center’s accomplishments in creative placemaking over the past 40 years, while also looking ahead to what’s in store for the future.
 
“We’re excited to be a part of the resurgence of Covington’s Westside neighborhood," says Tom DiBello, executive director of The Center. "So much of our housing development and creative placemaking work has been targeted to this neighborhood, and that it’s an intentional next step to make it home to our offices and our first commercial endeavor. With the opening of the Hellmann Creative Center, we hope to continue to activate this important corridor by bringing in more artists, businesses and residents to the neighborhood.” 

Do Good: 

•    Learn about The Center's programs, including creative placemaking, and find out how you can get involved.  

•    Mark your calendar for Sept. 15, and plan to attend The Hellmann Creative Center's Grand Opening celebration. 

•    Keep up with The Center's latest happenings by connecting on Facebook.