Park Theater balcony renovation has begun, a project that will give patrons a view from above for the first time since 1986.
“About two weeks ago, we started on the Park Theater balcony,” said city administrator Bill Brock during Tuesday night’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. “We are working as time permits."
For phase two of the building’s renovation, the balcony will be divided into two sections by the partition wall. While the lower level will be restored first, the upper area will be sectioned off with a temporary wall for later consideration.
Brock is working as the city’s general contractor on the project. He will be hiring and overseeing subcontractors to do individual items, such as installation of handrails and handrail modifications, concrete floor repair, and carpet installation, and directing city employees to perform work that does not require a subcontractor.
Leading to the use of Brock as supervisor was the actual cost of the project. While the estimate from AEI Architects, Engineers and Planners was for $61,634, the actual cost from W&O Construction was $189,800. Brock was handed the added responsibility as a cost-saving measure in an effort to bring the cost of renovation down to what was expected.
Brock says as the prices on individual items are coming in he can tell the cost of the overall project should come in under the $60,000 budget.
“We will probably be way under budget, I hope," said Brock.
No time has been set for project completion.