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Stern Center an investment in Rock Island for Stern's
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ROCK ISLAND -- Transforming the former Hyman's Furniture building into The Stern Center was a labor of love. "We wanted to invest in Rock Island. We believe in the city," director Michael Stern said, adding that they didn't want to see "another beautiful building empty." About $600,000 to $700,000 was spent to buy and renovate the 20,000-square-feet building at 1713 3rd Ave. Renovations include new heating and air conditioning, lighting, plumbing, bathrooms and a catering kitchen. Mr. Stern's brother, Matt, bought the building in 2011, which also is when renovations began. The building once housed McCabe's Department Store. Stanley Goldman bought the building in 1986 and it became Hyman's Furniture's central location in 1992. The Goldman family ran Hyman's Furniture in Rock Island for 90 years until Mr. Goldman retired in December 2010. A public grand opening and ribbon cutting for The Stern Center will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, before the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce holds its Schmooza Palooza event there from 5 to 9 p.m. Mr. Stern said most of the renovations were completed about two months ago, and people began renting the space for events this spring. So far, about 30 events have been held at The Stern Center, including weddings, quinceaneras and other parties. The event space's capacity is 800 people. "Our jewel is that chandelier," Mr. Stern said, referring to a 900-pound antique chandelier that is 10-by-5 1/2 feet. He said he's"already booking out" for Saturday weddings in 2013. The dominant color in the event space, which has a 20-foot ceiling, is white with touches of cream and light gray. Mr. Stern said he wanted "the bride's colors to be the focal point." The center has lighting that can be used to make the white pillars in the event space match the wedding colors. A bridal suite and a groom's room are in the works in the basement, where the bride and groom can get ready for their big day. McCabe's old candy corner and soda bar, on the mezzanine level, were preserved. For now, Mr. Stern doesn't have a staff, but will be hiring in 2013. Nearby, a nonprofit incubator, called Under One Roof, is at The Center Building, 208 18th St., which Mr. Stern's brother also owns. Mr. Stern said they are seeking nonprofits to move into it. Heart of Hope Ministries is there, with room for up to 30 nonprofits to have low-rent offices on the second-floor space. "It's another way to give back to the Rock Island area," he said. Great River Studios eventually will move from The Center Building to the third floor of The Stern Center. Mr. Stern said there are no set plans for the second floor of The Stern Center at this point. The center's website is sterncenter.biz, and the phone number is (309) 314-3372. 
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Taylor ridge, IL Details |
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Today is Tuesday, June 18, the 169th day of 2013. There are 196 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: Fanatics have grown wonderfully civil since the president snubbedthem by revoking Burnside's infamous attack upon the freedom of the press.
1888 -- 125 years ago: The Interstate baseball league has collapsed, leaving Davenport'sleading team without a league connection.
1913 -- 100 years ago: Passengers were stunned yesterday when lightning struck a LongView street car at 9th Ave. and 25th St.
1938 -- 75 years ago: X-ray examinations today traced the trouble with Dizzy Dean's$250,000 pitching arm to a pulled muscle back of his right shoulder blade.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Radio station WQAD in Moline is being considered by the NationalCivil Defense Office for selection as a "secured communication center" Mrs. Gault,executive deputy director of the Moline Civil Defense unit reported today.
1988 -- 25 years ago: "Marketplace 29 A.D." an unusual vacation Bible school programthat will allow children to live three days as people did during the Bible Times June 21-23. The three day program, is a joint project of Aldersgate and Bethel-Wesley UnitedMethodist churches.
(More History)