Greenfield's New Philippine Center Steadily Moving Foward

Renovations of the pavilion continue to progress as its new tenants eye a mid-January grand opening.

Work began on the pavilion in late October, , a cultural and civic center and a free health clinic.

“Right now we’re raising funds for construction and retrofitting of the center,” said Gerry Ramos, the center’s executive director.

Construction crews – a mix of volunteer and paid workers – knocked down several walls throughout the center to make way for the medical clinic which will be open two Saturdays every month.

Ramos hopes enough construction is done to open the clinic Jan. 14.

The center is installing a new heating and air conditioning system, replacing windows and renovating under-utilized areas of the center for both the clinic and the Philippine Center, according to Ramos.

The lower-level boys lockerroom has been gutted to make way for six exam rooms, while several exam tables donated by local hospitals are covered in plastic in what will serve as the clinic’s main staging and waiting room.

That room will contain movable partitions, so the room can be rented out for other purposes when the clinic is not operating.

Two rooms on the upper level are being converted into the Philippine cultural center, while the upper-level main hall will be controlled and rented out by Milwaukee County.

The center will be open to all local residents and not just those of Philippine descent.

To make a tax-deductible donation to the center, contact Ramos at gerryramos@philippinecenter.com.