By Holly Hurda

Thanks to the incredible donors and the dedication of Alchemy Concrete, Inc., the first stage of the Jensen Community Center’s 3Stage Expansion project — the International Bank of Amherst (IBA) Terrace — is on pace to open later this Summer.

The 10-week project checks off the first stage of the 3Stage master plan and came in at just under $300,000. Alchemy Concrete Owner Judah Haas also tacked on an astonishing donation of more than $35,000 of in-kind materials and labor to create the stunning showpiece that will serve the community for decades to come.

Jensen Center Board President Sandra Lynne Schmutzler said, “We knew Judah and his crew would do a fantastic job, but they have exceeded our expectations in every way. It’s not only gorgeous, but a lovely addition to the functional space of the Center. I cannot wait to see the community embrace the use of the IBA Terrace.”

Haas and his team included such amenities as a large gas fire table, a pergola with a variety of fixed and adjustable lighting, many weather-proof outlets that include USB charging ports, an accessible area for grilling, and indwelling concrete tables and benches that are combined with open flexible spaces for renters to use according to their event needs.

With so much excitement building for the opening of the IBA Terrace, the Jensen Center staff has been fine-tuning the rental policies and rates for this beautiful new space. As a non-profit organization, the Center insists on maintaining smart stewardship of the donations received for the 3Stage Expansion and annual sustaining gifts, while also respecting the affordability and accessibility of the Center’s amenities for the community members it serves.

As such, the usage of the IBA Terrace will be included in the rental of the Community Room for existing and future bookings beginning this Fall. The Community Room can be divided into two smaller rooms, with the access door to the terrace within the south half of the Community Room. Those choosing to rent the south half or the entirety of the Community Room will have access to the terrace. Renters reserving only the north half of the space will not have guaranteed access to the terrace. As always, rental of the Community Room also grants access to the Jensen Center’s lobby and restrooms.

During times that the Community Room is not under rental contract, the IBA Terrace will be available for public use between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Signage outside of the terrace will indicate public availability times and dates on a first-come, first-served basis. The Center welcomes all guests and visitors, but the privilege of using the space will require adherence to safety and courtesy standards. To find out more about rental rates, requirements, and rules for the terrace, please contact the Center at (715) 824-5202.

Recent donations to the 3Stage Expansion Project, including Community Insurance’s $10,000 gift (left), have made the “mercury” rise in the donation-tracking thermometer on the Jensen Center’s front lawn (right).