Grand opening March 18 for new Pierce County AIDS Foundation headquarters

The Pierce County AIDS Foundation will celebrate the grand opening of its new Tacoma headquarters building in March.

A renovation of the nearly-10,000-square-foot building, located at 3009 S. 40th St., began in mid-October and was slated to include the build-out of six private interview rooms, meeting rooms for support groups and workshops, and a more spacious and comfortable waiting room, among many other amenities (see “Major renovation under way for new Pierce County AIDS Foundation headquarters,” Tacoma Daily Index, Nov. 12, 2014). Improvements were also 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. According to organization officials, the new building is 40 per cent larger than Pierce County AIDS Foundation’s former facility, located at 3520 S. Pine St. Zenczak & Partners Architects and BPCI / Accrete Construction were hired to complete the $1.6 million project. The Pierce County AIDS Foundation financed the purchase of the building and the majority of the funds needed for renovation through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

A ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony will be held on Weds., March 18, between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at 3009 S. 40th St., in Tacoma. More information is available online here and here.

The 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 is available online at piercecountyaids.org.

The Pierce County AIDS Foundation will celebrate the grand opening of its new Tacoma headquarters building in March. (PHOTO COURTESY PIERCE COUNTY AIDS FOUNDATION)

UPDATE | TUES., MARCH 17 @ 8:10 A.M. — Here is the press release from the Pierce County AIDS Foundation:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 16, 2015

Community Invited to Pierce County AIDS Foundation’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Lighting Celebration

On Wednesday March 18, Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF) is celebrating the opening of its new facility by having a Grand Opening and Ribbon Lighting ceremony from 5:30–7:30 pm. The new facility, owned by PCAF, is located at 3009 South 40th St. in Tacoma. Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland will be in attendance to help lead the celebration. This will include the dedication of the Hilary Klein Community Room and the lighting of a 7 foot red ribbon at the entrance of the building, commissioned by Kel-Tech Plastics.

PCAF purchased the building last summer and began renovations in the fall, moving into the completed building in February. The building was designed with clients in mind, and features six private meeting rooms, a more spacious and welcoming waiting room, several flexible meeting rooms, energy efficiencies, and the use of reclaimed materials, among many other amenities. The Hilary Klein Community Room will be available for the community’s use for meetings.

The total project budget for purchase and renovation is $1.6M and was funded in part by support from individual donors, the Norcliffe Foundation, MetMeds Pharmacy and other sources. Zenczak & Partners Architects designed the facility, and the renovation was completed by BPCI/Accrete Construction.

“We are proud and excited to welcome the community to our new and permanent home,” said Duane Wilkerson, Executive Director. “Now in our 28th year of service, this building is a tangible representation of PCAF’s dedication to our mission, which includes combating the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS that is still so pervasive. By putting a large red ribbon on the building, we affirm that we are here to stay, we are visible, and we are committed to improving the quality of life of those living with HIV or AIDS and to creating a healthier community.”

At the event, guests will be invited to reaffirm their personal commitment to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by helping to publicly launch a “Pin It On” campaign to reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Judith Billings, PCAF Board member, former Superintendent of Public Instruction, and passionate HIV/AIDS advocate and educator, will launch PCAF’s Pin It On campaign at the event. “By putting a giant ribbon on our building and asking members of our community to join us in launching the Pin It On campaign, we can work together to increase visibility and to eliminate the stigma that prevents people living with HIV/AIDS from living their best lives,” shared Lori Bundrock, PCAF’s Deputy Director.

For more information about the Grand Opening, PCAF, or the Pin It On campaign, visit www. piercecountyaids.org or call (253) 383-2565.

PCAF (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. Since 1984, PCAF has served over 2,200 people living with HIV or AIDS. PCAF, through education and service, prevents HIV infection, assists persons affected by HIV/AIDS, addresses related health problems, and combats discrimination.

To read the Tacoma Daily Index‘s complete and comprehensive coverage of the Pierce County AIDS Foundation, click on the following links: