Following a two-year, $4.4 million renovation, the rededication
celebration of the Veterans Memorial Building along San Benito
Street will be held May 26.
Following a two-year, $4.4 million renovation, the rededication celebration of the Veterans Memorial Building along San Benito Street will be held May 26.
The Memorial Day commemoration, which has been planned by San Benito County veterans groups, will begin at 9 a.m. at the San Juan Bautista Cemetery and then move to the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Hollister at 10:15 a.m. and to Calvary Cemetery in Hollister at 11 a.m. before the Veterans Memorial Building rededication begins at 11:45 a.m.
The San Benito High School Baler Band will perform while veterans and military units march into the plaza for a noon “Call to Colors.”
The ceremony is scheduled to include speakers and the unveiling of commemorative tiles, along with a rededication plaque.
The renovation began when ownership transferred from the county to the city in December 2000. Architect David Huboi was commissioned to upgrade the building to preserve the historic neo-classic architectur-
al style.
Renovation highlights include a new front courtyard with landscaping, historic light fixtures, concrete and brick paving, balustrade elements, new storm drainage, historic windows, full exterior integral color stucco, exterior doors and ramps that are compliant with the American Disabilities Act, electrical panels, fire alarm system and air-conditioning.
Aside from Huboi, several companies and organizations were involved with the renovation and planning for the ceremony – including Harris and Associates (project manager), David A. Bush Construction (contractor), the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the City of Hollister, along with others.
The Hollister Recreation Division, UC Extension and local veterans group will return to the renovated building following Memorial Day.
The building has a 7,600-square foot main hall with a stage and dressing rooms, two conference rooms, a 68-square foot multiple use room and a 1,200-square foot dining room and full-service kitchen.
For information on renting the facilities, call the Recreation Division at 636-4390.
