Building Community: Panamnik Building Updates
Panamnik Building Updates
Along the banks of the Klamath River in downtown Orleans, the Panamnik Building has long served as a gathering place for the Mid-Klamath community. Once a local grocery store, the building has been home to the Mid Klamath Watershed Council (MKWC) since 2008 and continues to evolve into a space for community connection and collaboration.
Over the years, the building has hosted everything from community fundraisers and Humboldt First 5 Playgroups to prescribed fire training, youth programs, workshops, and community meetings. As MKWC's work has grown, so has the vision for creating a more accessible, functional space that can serve local residents and organizations for generations to come.
With generous support from the individuals, volunteers, and foundations, we have been able to complete several notable improvements. A new ADA-accessible bathroom with a baby-changing station, along with renovations to two existing bathrooms, makes the building not only more welcoming, but also more functional for visitors of all ages and abilities.
This year, the kitchen renovations were completed, marking another major milestone in the project. The fully functional kitchen, complete with a beautiful serving window into the main community room built by local woodworker Jesse Myers, is already being utilized for community events and activities.
Serving window that opens into the main community room from the kitchen, built by local woodworker Jesse Myers.
Looking Ahead
While we continue to make significant progress, work still remains. Our current focus is improving the neighboring Fire & Forestry Workforce Development Center (formerly the Orleans Volunteer Fire Department). We recently replaced its aging and leaky roof, with foundation and electrical upgrades next on the list.
Some future priorities that we have for the Panamnik Building include an outdoor amphitheater and renovation of the main community room. These projects will help create an even more versatile space for gatherings, educational opportunities, workforce training, and more.
The Panamnik Building renovation has always been about so much more than simply improving a structure. It is about investing in our people, organizations, and communities that make the Mid Klamath region what it is.
If you or your organization are interested in renting the space for a Third Thursday gathering or another community event, we'd love to hear from you! Reach out to our Events Team at events@mkwc.org to learn more about using the space.
We're grateful to the Patricia D. & William B. Smullin Foundation, Humboldt Area Foundation, Community Foundation of the North State, Harper Foundation, Tides Foundation, Berg Foundation, Somes Bar Arts Council, and Humboldt County Headwaters Fund, our partners, volunteers, and community members who continue to help bring this vision to life!
