Craig Howell TAKING A LOOK – Showcasing some of the recent improvements to the Follansbee Community House during a tour Tuesday are, from left, Mayor Scott McMahon, Councilman-at-Large John Casinelli, City Manager Chris Manack-Stover, and Charlie Reynolds from the Governor's Office.

FOLLANSBEE — For almost 95 years, the Follansbee Community House has been a hub of activity for generations of city residents.

Now, it is moving into a new chapter.

“We have a unique building,” noted Mayor Scott McMahon during a tour Tuesday. “It’s kind of the heartbeat of the community.

The original Community House was built in 1932, a two-story structure that stood until it was destroyed by fire in December 1979. A new building was constructed on the same site next to Follansbee Park in 1980.

Since then, it has been witness to a variety of milestones — from wedding receptions to baby showers to birthday parties and high school graduations — as well as community festivities such as holiday parties.

Craig Howell ONGOING IMPROVEMENTS – In recent months, the City of Follansbee has undertaken a variety of improvements to the Follansbee Community House, with more planned for the future.

It has hosted Chamber of Commerce activities, candidate forums and public meetings focused on transportation projects and other development opportunities.

Over the last several months, with support from fundraisers and Local Economic Development Assistance funds secured by area legislators, the building has undergone a series of improvements.

Encouraged by Third Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich, a committee of volunteers was formed to designate projects and organize fundraisers.

“He got the ball rolling,” explained City Manager Chris Manack-Stover.

This most recent phase of work has focused on the installation of new lighting and floors, painting the interior walls and installing new ceiling tiles.

This is only the beginning, too, according to city officials.

“Our next project is the front doors and overhang,” Manack-Stover explained, adding there also are plans for renovations to the building’s kitchen and back room.

During Monday’s Committee as a Whole meeting, it was announced an estimate for the doors and overhang would be $23,000.

McMahon expressed the city’s appreciation to state Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, state Sen. Ryan Weld and Del. Jimmy Willis for their assistance in obtaining the state grant funding, noting funds also were raised through events at Texas Roadhouse in Steubenville and through a golf tournament, as well as other donations. Another golf tournament is being planned for later this year, he said.

The Follansbee Community House is available for rentals throughout the year at a cost of $350 or $175 for nonprofit organizations providing a copy of the 501(c)(3) designation.