Stark Community Center in Buchanan Soon to Open

by Rebecka Hoyt, Editor & Photographer

Many of you in Buchanan, MI remember Stark School when it was a school. Well now it has a new life as a center of community, arts, and music. Jen Tabor’s vision of a community-centered place, where the underprivileged and those in most need may find a way toward their dream, is becoming a reality called, “Stark Community Center.”

The three level center is a place where kids and adults can come together for learning and teaching of so many things – music/instrument lessons given by other musicians, a sewing room is there for those who want to teach or learn how to sew (sewing machines included), theater, dance, and so much more. If you can dream it, there may be a space ready for you at Stark Community Center.

The many various rooms can be rented for office space, maker space, meeting space, your business, the class you teach, or anything else community-minded you could think of. Renting an individual room is $700/month, or if more than one person shares the space then you can split the rent to make it more affordable. Office furniture, sinks in the rooms, chalk boards/white boards, desks, tables, and chairs (and more) are all available for you to use in the space, and you do not need to pay a water, gas, or electric bill as utilities and everything are included – just the single rate per month.

Jen Tabor has started a not for profit organization, Good For Your Soul Foundation, that you can search for on Facebook to read all about. “This will be used to raise funds to sponsor low income students in music and classes in this Stark Community Center building. The kids in our community need a place where they can come and have a good time while learning something even if they have a financial need,” Jen stated happily. With the Foundation’s proximity to Souldier and the connections they have, Jen anticipates the possibility for partnerships with some music companies to possibly provide some instruments and the like for Stark Community Center and it’s students.

On the first floor, there is a “rock star stage” that is made out of repurposed wood from shelving in the school. That area can also be rented out for parties/bridal/baby showers, etc and a kitchen is very close to it.

If you happened to see the space before, there has been much clearing out and many items that were broken or couldn’t be used at Stark have been relocated, so things are almost ready. There are plans to redo the parking lot when possible as it has a lot of wear and tear. Some memorabilia of Stark School will remain in the building and if you have any memories or memorabilia to share, Jen is curating a special place for history to be displayed in the building.

If you are interested in renting a room or have more questions, message Jen Tabor through the Stark Community Center Facebook page.

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