Community Center Rises From Ashes
A little more than three years after the Goodman Community Center was destroyed in a tornado, a new one is rising from the ashes.
Crews with L & M Construction began building the 40x70-square foot structure in April. The building now has heat and air, is wired and is having plumbing installed, said L & M Construction owner Marcus VanDorn.
The new structure replaces the old building that was destroyed in the April 2017 tornado. City officials have received a good chunk of insurance money to help pay for the new structure.
The construction company, based in Neosho, won the bid for the building. The cost is a little more than $75,000, said Beth Hallmark, Goodman southward alderwoman. Approximately $65,000 is being absorbed by insurance money. The city is covering the balance, Hallmark said.
“We will not have a final price tag on it until after we get the appliances installed and any other changes/additions that may come up,” she said.
VanDorn said the structure features a women’s restroom, men’s restroom, kitchen and a mechanical room off the kitchen. The rest of the building is open, lending
itself to large gatherings. Officials have said that the setting could be perfect for family reunions, class get-togethers, weddings, receptions and more.
The builder, whose company focuses on building homes, shops, and shop houses, said the project has been a relatively easy one.
Crew members also are working on a custom home in the Table Rock Lake area, he added.
VanDorn isn’t sure of the exact completion date for the Goodman Community Center, but believes the building will be a muchneeded asset for Goodman neighbors.
“It’s a great deal for the community,” he said. “They haven’t had a large place to gather.”
Hallmark said though a specific date of completion is not yet known, officials are hoping to host a ribbon cutting by the end of May.