The completed, much-needed $1.2 million renovation of the building itself is the reason to celebrate. But more specifically, it marks an opportunity to celebrate, among other things, persistence and a sense of community. The former reflects the result of the efforts of board members like Sue Moxon, Roberta Keller and many more to not give up on a fundraising campaign that languished at times over the 12 years since it began. The latter was the impetus for people all over town to step up in a variety of ways, from architect Kurt Schindler to contractor Michael Butler, both of whom drew on their own deep scout roots to bring the renovation to fruition.
“It’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears, and it truly required a community-wide approach,” says Greg Everage, the board president of Mill Valley Scout Hall, the non-profit organization “dedicated to serving all the youth of Mill Valley and Southern Marin, regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.” “But we got over the finish line, and we’re excited to show off this beautiful new space.”
Everage, born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, joined the board at the midway point of the fundraising effort. He’d spent many years in the film industry in Los Angeles in a variety of capacities, and then moved in 2005 to Mill Valley. Since then, he’s led media content and distribution divisions for companies like ad agency Goodby Silverstein & Partners and video gaming giant Nintendo. He’s also reconnected with his Eagle Scout roots and brought his son to Troop 1 at Scout Hall.
“The scouts have always been close to my heart,” he says. “I hear that all the time about people who were affected by this place as a youth, either through the scouts or otherwise. Scout Hall holds a dear place in a lot of people’s hearts, even beyond Mill Valley. The reason this got done was because of people with connections to the different scout troops over the years.”
While the scouts have dedicated space in the building, the main Scout Hall event space – dubbed the hall at 30 Mountain View to reflect the main entrance in the back of the building at 177 East Blithedale Ave. – is available for rental as an event space. The two offices on the Blithedale side of the building are leased, with one occupied Stick & Ball, Elizabeth Goodwin Welborn’s equestrian, country polo-inspired apparel brand.
The building also contains a commercial kitchen available for rent, either for catering of an event or for distinct food-related uses.
“We want the community to use this space,” Everage says. “We’re a nonprofit organization, so we’re just looking to cover our costs. It’s really all about supporting the community.”
The 411: Mill Valley Scout Hall hosts a grand reopening celebration on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 4-7pm. There will be valet parking on the Mountain View Ave, side of the building a with a MV Chamber Ribbon Cutting at 5:30pm, and light hors d’oeuvres, wine and cake will be served. MORE INFO & RSVP.