By early September, a dilapidated industrial building on Madison's East Side will reopen its doors as a restored community center complete with a gym, outdoor play space and room for people of all ages.

The Goodman Atwood Community Center has $600,000 left to raise toward its $12.4 million goal, said Kristin Groth, development and communications director.

"We feel great about that," she said.

Spurred by a $2 million gift from philanthropist brothers Irwin and Robert Goodman, the fundraising drive is paying for renovation and expansion of the Kupfer Iron Works building at 149 Waubesa St.

Workers have been scraping off old siding that covered vintage bricks, installing 275 new windows, polishing concrete floors and erecting interior walls as the center emerges.

By early September, "we'll be open for business" at the new site, Groth said. A grand opening celebration is set for Sept. 27.

The new center includes a grocery-style food pantry, a community room that may be rented, a fitness room with exercise equipment and a commercial kitchen.

As it leaves Atwood Avenue, its home since 1954, the center also is leaving behind the Atwood part of its name, becoming the Goodman Community Center.

Its three current buildings, at 2425 and 2717 Atwood Ave. and the teen center at 827 E. Washington Ave., are for sale.

A public sneak peek of the new center is being offered May 1 at 5:30 p.m. Children are welcome, but space is limited. Call or e-mail Groth with your name and number of people coming at 608-241-1574, ext. 27, or kristin@atwoodcc.org. For more information, go to www.goodmancenter.org.

— Anita Clark

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