Augusta Kroc Center

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Augusta's Kroc Center, a robust community center funded by grants and donations, is being built on a 17-acre site in historic Harrisburg.	Computer rendering of Augusta's future Kroc Center.

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The mission statement of all Kroc Centers is to provide "facilities, programs and services that encourage positive life-changing experiences for children and adults, strengthen families, and enrich the lives of seniors."

FEATURE: Atlanta Kroc Center shows what Augusta can expect

Augusta's Kroc Center is being built on a 17-acre site along Broad Street in historic Harrisburg. The design of the main building complements the looks of Sibley and King Mill. There will be several other buildings on the Kroc Center campus, including renovated existing homes and a renovated historic church.

Before the building could begin, there was some moving and some demolition. Houses along Broad Street were moved, and the well-known Broad Street Burgers was torn down. But the restaurant lives on. It's now called Old Tyme Burgers, and is open on Walton Way near ARC High School.

Kroc Center Timeline

Click the dates below to learn more about the Kroc Center in Augusta.

October 2005: The Salvation Army applies for a Kroc Center grant.
March 2006: A $71 million Kroc Center grant is approved.
October 2006: The Salvation Army presents the Kroc Center proposal to the community.
May 2009: Half of Kroc Center fundraising goal reached.
June 2009: Augusta National pledges $3 million to the Kroc Center.
September 2009: Columbia County donates $25,000 to the Kroc Center.
November 2009: Fundraising goal reached, Kroc Center gets green light.
February 2010: Augusta breaks ground on Kroc Center.
May 2010: Kroc Center construction reaches 20 percent completion, ahead of schedule.

Augusta's Kroc Center is scheduled to open in 2011. It's one of nine scheduled to open that year. There are seven already open, including one in Atlanta.

The Kroc Centers are named for the Kroc family. Joan Kroc left the Salvation Army $1.5 billion after her death in 2003 to help build community centers around the country. When the project is complete, there will be 25 Kroc Centers.

The Augusta Salvation Army was awarded a Kroc Center grant in late 2006, on the condition that Augusta raised an additional $30 million. The Salvation Army provided $10 million, and local donations raised $22 million. The final grant came to $33.9 million for construction and an over $55 million permanent operations endowment.

Augusta Kroc Center construction, May 2010.
Courtesy The Salvation Army of Augusta.

The Augusta Kroc Center's services will include a family service center, an array of educational programs, a recreational athletic facility, a theater, music classrooms, and an active church.

Here is a breakdown of services from the Augusta Kroc Center's home page:

Computer renderings of Augusta's Kroc Center

First Stop Family Services Center

A full continuum of services will be provided in one center, including:

a food pantry
rent and utilities assistance
VA services

United Way offices will relocate completely to the First Stop Center

Recreation Center

A full-sized fitness center, including:

a gym
aerobics classrooms
weight and fitness training equipment

An aquatics center, with a pool providing:

lap lanes
waterslide
splash park
fitness area for water therapy classes

Arts, Education, & Worship Center

A 400-seat theatre that will serve as The Salvation Army's chapel and a center for local arts organizations to perform
Twelve classrooms for continuing education classes
Music classrooms and rehearsal spaces
A 270-seat banquet hall with a teaching kitchen for job skills training students