Adel Chamber helps cut the ribbon as Raccoon Valley Bank Community House reopens to the public

The Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce helped cut the ribbon for the Raccoon Valley Bank Community House on Thursday, Aug. 3.

The ribbon cutting and open house were held to help celebrate the newly remodeled community house. New Adel Market President, Jesse Woerdehoff, was also introduced following the ribbon cutting.

“We look forward to the history that’s going to come from the continued use of this in our community,” said Jason Urban, chair of the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Board. “We really want to thank Raccoon Valley Bank, its board and all of the vested members that have helped renovate this and make it a great facility. What a beautiful venue and thanks for adding to the historical character that is everything Adel.”

Thomas Book, former Adel Market President and current Chief Credit Officer, said the community house has been reopened after a three-year absence. The house closed in 2020 because of COVID and stayed closed for a renovation.  

“Part of this grand reopening is getting this facility back open to the public,” Book said following the ribbon cutting.

New rafters and a new roof were installed while one of the lower walls was shored up in the basement. Interior renovations included new paint, floor coverings and all new furnishings. Landscaping was done on the exterior and four concrete cornhole boards will be added to the side lawn where turf was added.

Book said the outdoor spaces will be available to the public when the community house isn’t rented. The house will be available for the public to rent at no charge, though the reservation process is still being finalized. Book added that a calendar will be built into the bank’s website so people can view what dates are available.

“We’ve seen it used for birthday parties, wedding celebrations, club and civic organization meetings, all sorts of things,” he said. “We’re looking forward to having that community space where the community can come together and enjoy one another.”

Book was happy to see the community house reopen during the Aug. 3 ribbon cutting ceremony and open house.

“The bank and the Garst family specifically have been very generous in their original concept here and then continuing to reinvest and upgrade it here and put it in good shape for a long time to come,” he said.