Major renovation under way for new Pierce County AIDS Foundation headquarters

November 12, 2014 10:12 am
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Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization's new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)
Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization's new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization’s new headquarters beginning early next year.

The building, located at 3009 S. 40th St., is 40 per cent larger than Pierce County AIDS Foundation’s current facility, located at 3520 S. Pine St., and will feature six private interview rooms, meeting rooms for support groups and workshops, and a more spacious and comfortable waiting room, among many other amenities.

Similarly, renovations are being made with energy efficiency and environmental standards in mind, such as natural and LED lighting, an energy efficient HV/AC system, and use of recycled materials.

“The facility will provide an environment that is warm and inviting for those we serve, who often face stigma in our community,” said Pierce County AIDS Foundation Executive Director Duane Wilkerson. “Those who come through our doors face many challenges and difficulties. We are committed to creating a welcoming space that honors them and their struggles, and provides dignity and respect for all.”

Renovation work began on Mon., Oct. 13. Pierce County AIDS Foundation hired Zenczak & Partners Architects and BPCI / Accrete Construction to complete the project. The total project budget is $1.6 million. The organization financed the purchase of the building and the majority of the funds needed for renovation through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

“The Commission expanded our purchasing power, by providing us with a lower interest rate on the mortgage and allowing us to buy the right building for our needs now and in the future,” added Wilkerson.

“We’re delighted to be a part of this major step for Pierce County AIDS Foundation and its mission in the community,” said Washington State Housing Finance Commission Chair Karen Miller.

Fundraising is under way to complete the buildout, furnish the building and install technology, with a goal of raising the remaining approximately $250,000 by the end of this year, according to Wilkerson. The building is scheduled to open in January.

Pierce County AIDS Foundation serves over 700 clients affected by HIV/AIDS annually with case management and support services, and provides HIV awareness and prevention efforts throughout the South Sound, reaching thousands with prevention messages and confidential, no-cost HIV testing. Through education and service, the organization aims to prevent HIV infection, assist persons affected by HIV/AIDS, address related health problems, and combat discrimination. More information about Pierce County AIDS Foundation is available online at piercecountyaids.org.

Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization's new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization’s new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

Pierce County AIDS Foundation Executive Director Duane Wilkerson breaks ground on the renovation of a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization's new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

Pierce County AIDS Foundation Executive Director Duane Wilkerson breaks ground on the renovation of a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization’s new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization's new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization’s new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization's new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization’s new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization's new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

Pierce County AIDS Foundation is in the process of renovating a nearly-10,000-square-foot building in South Tacoma that will serve as the organization’s new headquarters beginning early next year. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

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