Article by Sherry Hines
After several years of working on the project, the City of Mabel and its EDA are pleased to have the doors open on the new Mabel Community Center/City Hall. The 9,000 sq. ft. facility contains space for City Hall, meeting rooms, public restrooms, a banquet hall capable of seating 350, a commercial kitchen, and a bar area. The $1.7 million project was financed with over $950,000 in 
donations, including generous contributions from the Mabel Telephone Co-op and the Arlin Falck Foundation, plus a $200,000 grant from USDA Rural Development, and a $450,000 low interest USDA Rural Development Community Facilities loan. EDA staff was involved with most aspects of the project including land acquisition, building design, fundraising, furnishing of the banquet hall, and equipping the kitchen. Area businesses and residents are already making use of the banquet hall for corporate annual meetings, fundraisers, and receptions.
