Veterans Memorial Building Fundraising Gets Major Boost From Window Maker Pella

NEBRASKA CITY – During the Aug. 23 ribbon cutting at the Veterans Memorial Building in Nebraska City, Pella Corporation presented a check for $50,000 for the building’s continued restoration.

The building had been constructed in 1929 with public donations, but was closed in 2007. The recent push for renewal was led by Ted Beilman, who sought funds for roof repair and began making tribute panels to hundreds of the county’s veterans. Beilman formed a non-profit corporation concerned with the care of the building and welcomed a Wirth Foundation grant to replace 122 windows.

Greg Boulay, owner of Pella Omaha, said Pella's donation is made in Beilman’s memory.

The new windows are a product Pella launched a year and a half ago. They are energy efficient, but maintain the look of the historic period right down to the glaze marks. Boulay said it is also significant that the windows and doors were made 30 miles away in  Shenandoah, Iowa.

Brad Moyer of the Veterans Memorial Building Project said Pella's involvement in the project has been generous from the start and the latest contribution provides a major boost toward the next phases of renewal.

Moyer: “We are grateful they felt moved enough they wanted to see this project move along.”

A project for elevators to each floor and modern bathrooms is underway and plans are being developed for a new heating and air conditioning system.

In attendance at the ribbon cutting, where Pella Trade Sales Manager Zack Heenan, Project Manager Jerry Murley and Myron Jurgens of Jurgens Construction.

The committee is planning to launch an official fundraising campaign on Sept. 19.