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Chamber office being remodeled |
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Tuesday, 30 September 2008 |
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Benton Area Chamber of Commerce office at 607 N. Market St. is being “all gussied up,” to put it in the vernacular.  Designer Susan Hale oversees the installation of a chandelier at the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce office. Installing the light are C & E Electric employees Bobby McGee, left, and Robert Johnson.
A major remodeling project that began a few weeks ago is nearing completion, designer Susan Hale of Creative Paint and Design Co. said.
The project has included a complete refurbishing of the structure, including new windows, new flooring, painting, kitchen and bathroom replacements and new lighting.
The lighting includes three iron scrolled, triple-tiered chandeliers in the lobby of the building as well as additional track lighting.
“We stayed away from the trendy look,” Hale said, “and chose a look that will last for as long as possible. I think people will like this look for a long time.”
Arpo Construction of Bryant has been involved in the project and Jones Glass of Benton donated the windows, Hale said. Creative Carpets supplied new tile and carpets, Kindy Plumbing was involved in the work and Winfield Cabinets of Benton did the new cabinetry.
“We used all Chamber members for the project,” Hale noted.
The walls are of a new shade of gold, Hale said. “It was specially mixed for us and it’s called ‘Gillis gold.’ Mark [Gillis] was executive director when we started the project, and we named it after him.”
Landscaping has also been included with the project, Hale said.
The exterior of the office has been updated with new trim and flower beds.
“The intent of the project was to improve the aesthetics of the interior and bring everything up to date,” the chamber’s present director, Eddie Black, said previously.
Black was out of state today and not available for comment.
At the start of the project, chamber officials said the work would cost about $120,000.
“I think the community will be very pleased with the final look,” Hale said. “We’re excited about it.”
Members were encouraged to market the campaign, which will benefit all of the membership in the long run, Black said.
Matt Brumley, president of the chamber, said he is pleased with the renovations.
“It’s something everybody should be excited about and proud of,” he said. “ We hope that in the next couple of weeks we’ll be able to hold our open house. We’re real close to being able to open the doors, but we still have some cleaning to do.” Brumley encouraged people to “stop by and take a look at what’s going on.”
He apologized for the inconvenience the project has caused.
“That’s just part of remodeling,” he said. “When we started this a year ago, we said we would make something our whole community would be proud of. It will create a great first impression for people moving here or considering opening a business here. This is giving our area and our members an opportunity to shine.”
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Razorbacks
