For the second year in a row, Powell is entering the new year with a major new public building completed or nearly so. 

Last year at this time, the Northwest College Student Center had already had its soft opening but had yet to see its grand opening with the start of the spring semester. That building had been years in the making and is now a great centerpiece for the campus, a haven for students, workspaces for staff and an enjoyable spot for others in the community to stop by for a drink, lunch or just to sit and enjoy the architecture. 

As we enter into 2026, we can drive by Third and Clark streets to see the nearly completed Powell Library, see the sun reflected off the many windows and imagine the memories that will soon be made within its brick and glass exterior. 

Like the student center, the new library has included both federal grants and more local government funds, as well as donations. 

Hopefully there are still many people and organizations willing to give this year — and more funds available for grants — as a few more Powell organizations are eying new facilities as well. 

A new Powell senior center, a goal that has long been prominent, is on the front burner for many, as land has already been acquired on the south side and fundraising is active to create a new, much more usable space for our seniors. Having been in the current facility a handful of times, I can attest to how much a new building could help. 

Talk has also started in regards to a community rec center on land near Powell High School, with preliminary plans featuring a gym, wrestling room and more spaces to provide local residents with indoor places to recreate, whether it’s playing basketball or pickleball, or even just having a place to walk or run away from the cold. 

And the local American Legion is now getting in on the plans, having recently unveiled the prospect of building a large new community center focused on veterans and social services. The plan is to help not just veterans, but the community as a whole, housing everything from VA assistance to food for low income families. 

All are worthy goals and I hope to see all come to fruition in the next few years. After all, the community has already shown the ability to rally behind projects.