Community radio has a new home in Ames. On August 27, The KHOI Community Radio board joined forces with a group of volunteers to move into the Pantorium, at 410 Douglas in Downtown Ames. We are beginning the process of building our offices and studios at this location. In addition to being a radio station, the Pantorium will also be a meeting place for community events like performances, workshops and gatherings.
KHOI will spend the next year fundraising and building a radio station in the Pantorium with the ultimate goal of being on the air by August 2012. The station is launching a capital campaign to raise $100,000 to cover the expenses of renovating the space and developing the broadcast studio. Come by to say hello and see how we are coming along as we prepare to bring KHOI Community Radio to the airwaves of Ames. We welcome you as a volunteer and we welcome your donation to the effort. If you are interested in creating your own radio show we have application forms available at the Pantorium.
The historic Ames Pantorium was built as a dry cleaner in 1926. When it closed last year, it was the last Pantorium in the country still in the dry cleaning business. Dennis Jones, the owner of the Pantorium, has committed to restoring the building's facade to its original appearance.