ORANGE CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
Four years ago, fire destroyed Orange City, Iowa's Hawkeye Hotel, but the city's "Phoenix Project" rose from the hotel's ashes.
Phase One included the new Hawkeye Center on the old hotel site. On Monday, they unveiled an important part of Phase Two.
Five months ago, the Prairie Winds Center was empty on the inside, but after opening its doors for the first time on June 1st, they didn't stay closed for long.
"It's been a fun journey, but it's rewarding now to see it completed and people actually using it for its intended purpose," said Marty Guthmiller, chair of the advisory board for the Prairie Winds Center.
It was back in January of 2011, when Maria Plueger came on board as the brand and event manager for the Prairie Winds Center. At first, there wasn't much to manage. She says the back yard was a bunch of frozen mud.
"To see it go from that into this beautiful structure, it's been a long, patient process, but it's been very much worth it," said Plueger.
Courtney Koch helped design this building. Her initial goal was to maintain the distinct Dutch heritage of the city and make it accessible to anyone who wanted to use the space.
"With the art work and everything else in this building, it has really come together well and I think that it will provide for the community a very, very long time," said Koch.
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad came out Monday to show his support for the new center.
Branstad's not the only one who was impressed by the beauty of the $4.6 million facility. Residents are already singing its praises.
"When you come inside, the view that you see from the upper deck is wonderful," said Idelle Vogel of Orange City.
Guthmiller has been watching the center develop. He says its feels good to have the project paid off, and ready for the city to use.
"As neat as it might appear now, when all the plantings mature and it becomes what it's intended to be, it's going to be even more of a special place," said Guthmiller.
Now, they're booked for the next 18 months. There will be 26 weddings held there this summer alone.
An official public grand opening will be held on Wednesday night.
