WHITING | At 85 years old, a bit of a touch-up is in order, especially if the work is being done to the Whiting Community Center to preserve its structural integrity and its spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., secured $266,750 in economic development initiative funds several years ago to help underwrite the work at the historic center.

Harris Bank, the Department of Natural Resources and Arts Alive!, a local civic group, joined in the restoration momentum and on Wednesday morning, it was time to celebrate the improvements.

Mayor Joe Stahura publicly thanked Visclosky for help in securing funding for the Whiting Community Center renovations.

"We take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the important contributions made to this historic building," Stahura said.

Recent renovations have included replacement of the clay tile and non-tile roofs at the Community Center, installation of energy-efficient windows, masonry work, and improved accessibility and functionality of the bathrooms and small gymnasium.

The ongoing work is necessary to preserve the integrity of the building, which was constructed in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Amoco deeded the building to the city of Whiting in 1973. Since then, it has been maintained and operated by a mix of public and private funds.

Representatives from Harris Bank, the Department of Natural Resources and Arts Alive!, a local civic group, were at Wednesday's ceremony.

Additional renovation support came from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Indiana-Kentucky Regional Council of Carpenters, International Union of Painters Local 460, Peachtree Window Corp., John W. Anderson Foundation and the city of Whiting.

"By pooling our resources, we've accomplished a lot. It has been a great partnership, one that will continue to grow as we continue all the work necessary in refurbishing this historic center," Stahura said.