Construction of a rowing center at Williams Wharf Landing in Mathews is finally underway after 21 years of planning, negotiations, permit acquisition, fundraising, and lots of hard work.
As of Monday, the foundation, concrete slab floor, pilings for decking and much of the steel framework for the William and Catharine Owens Waters Edge Center had been installed, and the remaining framework and roofing materials were on-site awaiting installation.
Tim Hudgins, spokesman for the Mathews Land Conservancy, which is headquartered at Williams Wharf Landing, said that funds currently available will pay for the project up through installation of the roof, while fundraising has begun for the exterior framework and siding. After the building’s envelope has been completed, he said, the rest of the building can be constructed piecemeal as the money needed to complete the entire project—$4 million—is raised.
What will remain to be done after the exterior walls are up, said Hudgins...