11/12/2007 8:41:00 PM
Stepping Stones plans merge offices, thrift shop
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| Courtesy art / Catalyst Architecture
This drawing shows what the new Stepping Stones building will look like. Catalyst Architecture did the design and rendering. |
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The Daily Courier
PRESCOTT VALLEY - A social services agency that operates a coffeehouse and thrift shop, houses other nonprofit groups and provides a meeting place will "step" into a larger building.
Stepping Stones Agencies bought a 3-acre parcel in the Eastridge Business Park on the south side of Highway 69 east of Truwood Drive, and hopes to begin construction on a new building in January, said Robin Burke, president and chief executive officer.
"It would be nice to be done by Christmas (2008)," Burke said.
The new site, at 30,000 square feet of space, will house the Step One Community Center and the thrift shop, Burke said. The coffeehouse and bookstore/gift shop will move there, as well, from the current location at 3343 N. Windsong Drive.
Stepping Stones is making plans for a new building because it is outgrowing its community center and seeks to become more efficient by consolidating at one location, she said.
Consolidating will enable Stepping Stones to have more money to operate its domestic violence shelter, Burke said. Proceeds from sales at the thrift shop and coffeehouse help to support the 20-bed shelter.
The community center at 8,200 square feet has been on Windsong Drive since October 2003, and the thrift store, which covers 9,000 square feet, has been at 7465 E. First St. since 2002, Burke said.
The community center houses the Stepping Stones offices and offices for United Way, Youth Count, Tri-City Partnership, Northern Arizona University's early intervention program and Bettino Counseling.
The new location will have more meeting space, double the size of the coffeehouse to 1,600 square feet and expand the 12-step recovery bookstore, she said. The coffeehouse will have a drive-up window.
The existing community center now plays host to more than 30 meetings a week for self-help groups, Burke said. She added about 20 other service groups use the building every week.
The building is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
While Burke cited the benefits of a bigger building at another location, some center regulars prefer the convenience of the present location. It is within walking distance of a number of medical offices.
"I would like to see them stay where they are at," said Dave "Dawg" Stegner, founder and the volunteer pastor for the Bikers for Christ chapter in the tri-city area. "I like the location, and there is a lot of people in that area who come in."
His wife, Lori, works in the coffeehouse.
The people of the West Yavapai Guidance Clinic also may miss the Step One center. The clinic is building a 24,000 square-foot psychiatric hospital next door on Windsong.
"We are very excited that Stepping Stones is able to grow and serve the community even more," said Laura Norman, community relations coordinator for West Yavapai. "They provide an important service for women in crisis in the community."
Norman continued, "We are going to miss them as next-door neighbors, but we know they are going to have to move to grow."
The new building will cost an estimated $3 million, said Burke, who acknowledged that Stepping Stones has not hired a contractor yet. Stepping Stones is accepting donations to help cover the costs.
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Posted: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Article comment by:
Lisa
Stepping stones is such a great place, I love to donate and shop at the thrift store! Looking forward to shopping at the new building, hopfully there will be more room to display the treasures that people have donated!! Can't wait!
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