Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Pastor Jim Plank and son Chris take a break from construction on the huge activity area for children located inside Building 1225.

•January 16, 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

When the Vineyard Church purchased the former Pamida building at 1225 S. Hamilton there was much speculation about the use of this sprawling, former retail store.
“Our mission from the start has been to provide a gathering place or hub to benefit the entire community of Sullivan,” said Pastor Jim Plank of the Vineyard Church. “ For that reason, we named it Building 1225 rather than attach the Vineyard name to it.”
With the opening of Ben Booker’s Second Chance Gym as an anchor, the church’s vision is becoming a reality.
The huge activity room with a basketball goal, ga-ga ball pit, and a children’s play area is encircled by a walking track and is ready for use as soon as hours can be established.
There is also a climber for children and 20 laps around the track is a mile. The huge parking lot makes for easy access to the building.
Additional space can accommodate up to 350 people for weddings, banquets, expos, birthday parties or dances. This space has already been rented by the city and other private groups for activities. Tables, chairs, tablecloths and trash cans are provided, but catering must be brought in. This space is available to civic groups at no charge.
A small restaurant or some kind of food service is also under construction with an outdoor patio for al fresco dining. A juice bar has also been suggested.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.