KHOI-FM Celebrates New Home

This post originally ran: September 17, 2011.

KHOI-FM radio, the heart of Iowa, started off with a slow beat.

Members of the community snatched up the radio frequency 89.1 FM in 2007 and could lose it if they don't broadcast their first show by August 2012. Organizers hope to pick up the pace now that they have a new building to call home.

The nonprofit volunteer-run station moved into the former Pantorium building at 410 Douglas Ave. in August. KHOI-FM volunteers cut the ribbon on the station's new digs with a full house, music and a faux broadcast .

Previously, the station had an office in a church but the new downtown location is much more accessible, said Jo Myers Walker, a KHOI board member from Gilbert. The building also provides a meeting space for other activities such as workshops and performances.

Myers Walker said it's possible that the station's first broadcast could air before August 2012, but that depends on community support.

A $9,000 downtown-facade grant has funded some renovations. But organizers need about $100,000 more to begin.

Learn more about KHOI-FM here.