Group considers constructing $3 million facility
The building also could be used for other activities.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- The Salem Alumni Association is considering building an estimated $3 million structure for its activities.
The proposed building would house the association's offices, accommodate banquets for up to 700 people and allow it to better display school memorabilia.
The association has been in second-floor offices at 328 E. State St. since 1983.
Association President Kenneth Kenst said Monday the group is waiting for graduates to respond to the proposal. Kenst said no action would be taken before July.
Salem graduates were mailed details of the plan in the association's recent newsletter. Kenst said the association sends out 10,000 newsletters at bulk rate, which means the newsletters may not reach the West Coast for a month.
"We'll see what kind of response we get," Kenst said.
Response in Salem, Kenst said, "has been very positive."
The association has a $6.5 million endowment. Kenst said, however, that none of the endowment would be used for construction or as collateral on the construction.
Construction wouldn't begin until 90 percent of the building costs are in hand, Kenst added.
Collecting enough pledges is not expected to be a problem.
"I think it can be done within a year," he said.
Potential usage
Seating for 700 people is a realistic projection. Kenst said the annual alumni banquet attracts 400 to 450 people.
"The only place to have it is at the high school, and it's even crowded at that," Kenst said.
The proposed building also could be designed and used for multiple community uses.
Kenst said the association was looking at several potential construction sites that he did not want to disclose. He said the building would be separate from other structures, such as the Salem Community Center.
The current office is used to display items from the estate of Laura Mae Whinnery, the unofficial Salem High School historian who died in 1984.
Kenst said he did not know the extent of the historical materials that have been donated to the association. Many items are in storage.
As of 2002, the most recent year listed on the association's Web site, it has given a total of more than $2.6 million in scholarships to 1,389 students.
The site also says the association established the first high school alumni scholarship fund in Ohio in 1903. The alumni association formed in 1882.
wilkinson@vindy.com