PANAMA CITY – After almost two years of operation from a borrowed space, one of the largest non-profit organizations in the region celebrated the beginning of the structure of its former home in the center.
United Way’s 8,000-square-foot headquarters on 602 Harrison Avenue striped naked Tuesday as dozens of United Nations supporters entered construction for the opening ceremony.
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“It’s been two years, almost to the day. I sat two years ago and saw the roof take off and we were in a country never, ever,” said Bryan Taylor, president and chief executive of United Way of the NWFL. we are very excited to be back here and throw it – remodeling, renovating. We’ll be back in our old space, so I’m excited about that. “
Construction will take about six months.
The capacity will remain the same, while the larger area will be better suited to maximize operations, adding a network corridor and more new excavations. The organization also plans to lease the Harrison Avenue look of the building, approximately 4,000 square feet.
Taylor said the story of taking possession of United Way was a shared delight with many other organizations, businesses, and families. He and his family also recently moved into their home after receiving maintenance for damage caused by Hurricane Michael.
“Two years ago, as we prepared for the long-term recovery organization, which is now Rebuild Bay, this LTRO knew recovery was a long procedure; things weren’t going to look the same for three to five years,” Taylor said. “It’s been a long journey. “
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Taylor thanked Aaron Rich Marketing for allowing the organization to operate from his downtown office, as a new contractor and design team.
“I have many other people to thank,” he told the participants, “I appreciate your help. “
During the vacation to reclaim the building, the organization continued to provide a must-have to its agencies, distributing more than $1. 5 million for hurricane-related reasons and other budgets for COVID-19 assistance.
Moving to construction will be another step towards achieving some stability and for the six counties served through the organization: “a sign of progress,” according to Dr. Irvin Clark, chairman of the NWFL United Way board of directors.
“Today is a milestone for NFWL United Way,” he said. “There are still many reconstruction efforts throughout Bay County and it is glorious to see that efforts have been made to get this construction back up and running. It’s a component of our community, the central point of the city center. “