Orchard City Banquet Hall To Benefit City and Renters

Carved in the concrete underneath the flooring of Campbell’s Orchard City Banquet Hall is the number 1959, indicating the year the building was erected more than 50 years ago.

Kevin Kilmer of Kuehne Construction noticed the hidden engraving after the former school cafeteria was gutted for its $1.86 million overhaul.

The renovation is being streamlined with certified sustainable lumber and resources to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certificate, an international achievement for green building.

“A lot of recycled materials are being used on this project,” said Kilmer, the project’s superintendent, pointing to the tile made of recycled glass on the floor of the unfinished lobby area.

Using sustainable and recycled materials are major components of the building’s structural foundation, but the project also includes LEED-verified energy-saving concepts like efficient performance heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

In addition, Kilmer said, the restrooms at the hall will use skylights to admit natural sunlight, and energy-saving sensors will determine when to use electricity.

“The facility is going to be much more attractive,” said Lisa Peterson, the city's senior civil engineer on the project. “It’ll be much more valuable for people who want to rent and use it.”

Part of making the project attractive is the $370,000 outdoor Plaza Entryway Project, which promises to create an easy passenger drop-off area, improve landscaping design and accommodate outdoor seating.

Plans are to have both the 4,800-square-feet hall and plaza completed by June 1, but depending on the weather, the outdoor improvements may be delayed, Peterson said.

“We’re a few weeks away from finishing the interior,” Kilmer said. “Then we’ll move on to the exterior.”

The most prominent new feature is the hall’s state-of-the-art room divider, which lowers fees for small-party renters and allows the city to rent out one or both halves of the hall on week days. The hall will also be equipped with recording and broadcasting technology for events. 

City employees project that the Orchard City Banquet Hall will accumulate more than $100,000 of pure profit in its first full calendar year, said Hilary Holeman, recreation supervisor.  

"We're thrilled about it," said Cynthia Bojorquez, director of the city's recreation and community services. "It's going to be a beautiful asset for the community." 

Booking has already begun, if you're interested in renting for an upcoming event contact Laura Smith, facilities coordinator, at 408.866.2138.