Gravley Center hearkens rebirth of old downtown
By Allen Houston

On a day more like spring than winter, the $2.5-million Gravley Center opened its doors to the citizens of Carrollton.
A group that included city council, members of the old downtown Carrollton association, curious citizens and the three social service groups that will inhabit the building gathered at 3 p.m. on Jan. 30 in the afternoon sunlight to await the start on the official dedication ceremony.
The R. L. Turner Naval ROTC consisting of three teenagers in full regalia kicked off the dedication by raising an American flag to the top of one of three new flagpoles situated out front.
Brad Mink, director of economic development for the city, led the celebration.
"Making Gravley Center a reality stretched across partnerships that were forged between local business, the state of Texas and teh federal government. We used those funds to help build these social services agencies a new home," he said. "I'd like to thank the old downtown Carrollton association for putting up with what it took to open this building such as closing streets and digging up sewage lines."
The Gravley Center was built on the spot where old city hall stood and incorporates architecture from that building. In 1986, the city government moved from that old building after the old city hall become too small to conduct business. The new building is 152 percent larger with 12,600 square feet.
Gravley Center will house three Carrollton social services groups, the Metrocrest Social Service Center, the Senior Adult  Service Center and Northwest Family Outreach.
The building is named after lifelong residents of Carrollton, Milburn and Sylvia Gravley. Milburn Gravley was a six-term mayor of Carrollton who serviced from 1986-1994 and 1996-2000. Sylvia Gravley was a life-long member of several civic organizations that benefited the city.
State Rep. Kenny Marchant was in attendance and handed a framed resolution to Milburn Gravley that said the building was named after one of the city's leading citizens.
"I took my first oath of office in the old city hall," Marchant said.
"I'm honored that the city would dedicate this building in the Gravley name," Milburn Gravley said.
"He made the job of being mayor really easy. He left the city in great shape. What a great legacy this building is to him and Sylvia and the work that they have done," said Mayor Mark Stokes.
Pat Malone of the Old Downtown Carrollton Association handed out certificates to people who donated money so that the center could have extra perks such as special trash receptacles. Originally, the group's goal was to raise $10,000 but they raised more than $18,000.
"In these strained economic times we're grateful for the peo0ple who donated money for the Gravley Center. This is something that our whole community can be proud of." Malone said.
Judge Boyd Patterson, the Grand Master of the Masonic Grand-Lodge of Texas, came forth for the symbolic leveling of the building.
A stone plaque was the last piece to be added to the building. Tapping on the stone plaque to make sure that the stone was solid, the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas joined in a prayer to dedicate the building.
"May this stone be completed by the craftsman in peace, love and harmony," Patterson said.
As the service began to wind down the Gravleys came back to the podium to speak to the crowd once more.
"This is an honor and we do appreciate it very much," said Sylvia Gravley. "In the works of my grandchildren, it's awesome."
The DART line will stop across the street from the Gravley Center when it arrives in the city between 2008-10.

Carrollton Leader - Vol. 1, No. 41
Submitted by Betty Lou (Stanley) Dennis