4-H Building Plans Told By Farm Council

4-H Buildin Plans Told By Farm Council

Veterans Park Unit To Cost $200,000; Solicitation Planned

The Washtenaw Farm Council today revealed plans for a $200,000 4-H youth activities building to be erected on six acres of city-owned Veterans Memorial Park (Fairgrounds) property leased from Ann Arbor.

A two-story brick, steel and concrete building was decided upon last night at a meeting of the council. The building is believed to be the only one anywhere which will be devoted exclusively to 4-H and rural youth activities.

Preliminary plans for the building are being drawn up by architect Ralph S. Gerganoff of Ypsilanti. As outlined to the council, the building will contain an arena for the showing of livestock on the second floor, with bleachers for 2,500 spectators.

The front section of the second story will house an exhibition hall for display of projects by 4-H members. The building is also designed for hobby and horse shows, attorney Arthur E. Carpenter said.

Dimensions of the building are 180 x 130 feet. It will be constructed on the six acres located at the north edge of the park, near Dexter Ave.

The council plans to conduct an extensive campaign to raise funds for the building, Carpenter said. The farm group has a trust fund of about $70,000, which was set up following sale of the Fairgrounds property to the city.

“Industry, farm and private groups interested in 4-H work probably will be solicited,” Carpenter said.

The lower floor of the building will contain office space, a snack bar and an apartment for a caretaker. Council President Frank E. McCalla of Whitmore Lake and Gerganoff were scheduled to meet today to work out minor changes in the interior of the building.