Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - After 30 years of inactivity, the Gatke dump site will again be used by the public.
Grace College announced intentions of building an "orthopedic capital center" on the north side of Wooster Road and the old dump site will be used as a parking lot for the new facility.
After being contaminated with asbestos and lead for decades, the Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners acquired the Gatke site, four acres of brownfield, and plans to lease the property to Grace College on a long-term basis.
Grace now plans to clean up the property by capping the land with natural and man-made materials before constructing the parking lot. The process will encapsulate the hazardous wastes and prevent wind and rain from driving the waste further into the soil. The capping process will be monitored by the Indiana Department of Environmental Affairs.
Construction of the orthopedic capital center - a proposed $7.3 million, 56,000-square foot building - will meet the needs of community businesses and organizations.
According to a Grace College press release, the center will be used for business meetings and seminars; trade shows and exhibitions; musical events and concerts; home, boat and craft shows; and athletic events. Theater-style seating for 2,800 people, as well as a staging areas, are planned for the building.
Grace will use the facility for lectures as well as sporting events and practices.
Orthopedic companies, Biomet, Zimmer and DePuy, each donated $1 million for construction of the center.
