February 27, 2023
FOR IMMEADIATE RELEASE
Gladish Community and Cultural Center Embarks on Major Energy Efficiency Upgrade with Support from Avista
Pullman, WA – The Gladish Community and Cultural Center, a pivotal cultural and community hub housed in the historic old Pullman High School building, is set to undergo a significant energy efficiency upgrade, thanks to a generous grant from Avista. This initiative marks a monumental step towards modernizing the facility while preserving its rich heritage and supporting its diverse array of tenants, including area small businesses, nonprofits, and two Montessori schools.
Originally built in 1931 and remodeled in 1954, the Gladish Community and Cultural Center has served as a beacon for arts, education, and community service in the region. Over nearly three decades, the Center has not only been a home for local artists and events but has also embarked on numerous upgrades and renovations to enhance its offerings and reach. However, the building's outdated and inefficient boiler system, a remnant from the 1954 remodel, has posed significant financial and operational challenges, consuming substantial resources that could otherwise support the Center's mission.
The transition to modern heating systems, funded by Avista's grant, represents a pivotal moment in the Center's history. These upgrades will drastically reduce the building's energy consumption and operating costs, freeing up critical resources to further enrich and expand its cultural and educational programs. Avista's investment in this project underscores a shared commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and community support, aligning with the utility's broader goals of enhancing community well-being and environmental stewardship.
"The Friends of Gladish have long faced the challenge of balancing the preservation of our historic building with the need for modern, efficient operations," said Wil Blanchard, Gladish’s Operations Manager. "Avista's generous support not only alleviates the financial burden imposed by our aging heating system but also propels us towards a more sustainable and vibrant future for all who call Gladish home."
With the installation of the new heating system underway, the Gladish Community and Cultural Center is poised to achieve its goal of discontinuing the use of the old boiler system within two years. This transition will not only ensure a more comfortable and sustainable environment for its patrons but will also enable the Center to dedicate more of its resources and energy towards fulfilling its mission of fostering arts, education, and community engagement in the Pullman region.
The Friends of Gladish extend their deepest gratitude to Avista for their support and to the community for their ongoing engagement and support. Together, we are turning a new leaf in the storied history of the Gladish Community and Cultural Center, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of culture and community for generations to come.
About Gladish Community and Cultural Center - Located in the heart of Pullman, Washington, the Gladish Community and Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization housed in the historic old Pullman High School building. It serves as a vibrant hub for arts, education, and community service, hosting a wide range of events, programs, and services for the region.
About Avista - Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy, providing energy services and electricity to 416,000 customers and natural gas to 381,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.7 million.