Brooklyn, New York - Greensburg, Kansas was destroyed beyond recognition on May 4, 2007, when an F5 tornado tore through the rural town in the middle of the night, killing ten people and leveling nearly 1,000 homes and businesses. Damages exceeded 1.1 billion dollars.
To assist in the rebuilding of Greensburg, Studio 804, an award winning not-for-profit design and building program at the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Urban Planning, launched a collaborative effort to construct and deliver a pre-fabricated building for the town, to be used as the new Arts Center.
When Stephen Giumenta, co-owner of Architectural Grille, heard of the building project he jumped at the opportunity for his company to help. As a proud sponsor of this project, the family owned and operated Brooklyn, New York based company has donated over 200 square feet of grille work, AG10 C Frame in aluminum with a satin finish, for the new building at an estimated cost of seven thousand dollars.
“The opportunity to be part of the reconstruction of Greensburg was exciting, but to know that this building will benefit hundreds of families at the same time made the project a must do for us. We are glad we were able to contribute to the rebuilding of a town that had to deal with such destruction and help a community in need,” said Giumenta.
The actual prefabricated building was designed and produced in a huge warehouse in Lawrence, Kansas. Then it was disassembled into large sections and shipped to Greensburg where it now sits onsite. Completion of the building is expected by May 4, 2008, marking the one-year anniversary date of the devastation.
Stacy Barnes, Administrative Assistant for the City of Greensburg, expressed the city’s gratitude for the donation. “Because of funding gaps that exist with rebuilding, partnerships and donations are vital in rebuilding Greensburg. This donation will help complete a building that will be a great addition to our town, and will house community programs for all age. We are extremely grateful for donations like the one from Architectural Grille,” said Barnes.
This building project will be included in a new series featured on the Discovery Channel called Planet Green, scheduled to air starting in May. The building will also be showcased in numerous newspapers, magazines and books. ______________________________________________
For more information about Architectural Grille and their products, or to view an online catalog visit their website at www.archgrille.com. For more information about the arts center please visit www.547artscenter.org.
Architectural Grille
42 Second Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-832-1200
