HASTINGS, Neb. – A Hastings non-profit is kicking off the final stage of a 10-year-long capital campaign with continued renovations to a century-old building. 

The Prairie Loft Outdoor Education Center is looking $250,000 in funding to overhaul and modernize a seldom-used building on its property.  

The renovations mark the final of three stages of Prairie Loft's Workshop Renewal Capital Campaign project which began in 2015. 

Executive Director Megan Arrington-Williams says the organization's goal is to transform the building into a space that can host indoor activities year-round with climate control, insulation upgrades, bathrooms, and updated lighting. 

"We really thrive on offering spaces to the community to gather, and once this space is done, it will create another area where folks can come and have conferences, parties, or family gatherings," said Arrington-Williams. "Then, we can also host classes and workshops, and really use our space to welcome in larger schools for educational experiences."

The current building was constructed in the early 1900's and used as a machine shed when the Hastings Regional Center was still in operation. 

Williams says the organization is aware of the building's deep history and is aiming to keep some of the original parts of the structure. 

"I really feel like the merging of the historical side of the space, and creating the modern amenities that are needed are Prairie Loft are going to be important," said Williams. "We'll be able to teach the history of the space and why it was a machine shed in the southern third of our building, but then the rest of it we'll be able to welcome in new ideas and new inspiration for our organization."

The north end of the building was outfitted with upgrades in 2019, including a commercial kitchen space, a meeting room, a storage area, and a family bathroom.

Earlier upgrades from 2015-2018 included a concrete floor, plumbing installation, and framing work.

Prairie Loft's goal is to raise the $250,000 by the end of March, and finish the upgrades to the new workshop building by July when outdoor activity season is in full swing.