Putting a new face on the Grange

By Bill Hoban | Index-Tribune Managing Editor

The Sonoma Valley Grange is looking to conduct an extensive remodel in its Highway 12 facility, including installation of a commercial kitchen, remodeled ADA-compliant restrooms, a new roof and refurbished flooring.

The project won’t be cheap – it will cost an estimated $250,000 – so Grange officials are embarking on a fundraising campaign.

The commercial kitchen will take the lion’s share of the costs and is budgeted for $150,000.

Mike Acker, one of the members of the kitchen committee, said the county has specific requirements for a commercial kitchen.

“There’s a whole list of requirements,” he said, “and there’s no half-measures.”

Among the requirements spelled out are for plumbing, the number of sinks, grease traps, lighting and the like. A new sewer line is also included.