Theater Project

The theater project is moving ahead. The rush coming from the demolition process seems to have mellowed down to what is happening at the site. Of course, rain has slowed things down. I noticed piles of dirt behind the hole left by the lumber yard building. The plan is to fill the hole to 95% compaction (a standard measure) for the eventual construction.

The walls of the Dumbbells building and Monique’s are to be cleaned and restored. Monique’s will be covered with stucco. The reason is the brick used for that building is very soft and prone to deterioration. The wall on the Dumbbells side will be stripped of the plaster, cleaned and repainted. Yes, repainted. Take a quick walk to the porch of the building. You will see the building was painted at some time in the past.

Campbell & Johnson will be sending out bids for building restoration soon.

Several weeks ago, Kirk Lowell showed a concept drawing of the building. What I saw was encouraging. The building front will keep the historic feel of the downtown. The architecture will keep the “rhythm” of the existing buildings. While you are on our walk to see the painted brick, look at the north side of the street. There are second story windows in each of the buildings. This “rhythm” will continue in the design of the theater.

We hope to see the site plan at City Hall next week- Planning Commission reviews such things. By then, we ought to have something in the Blade-Empire that will show how nice it will look.

Hill Street

We were supposed to see work start on Hill Street today. The owners of the rental machine were to be here to show the crew how to operate the equipment. Well, they didn't arrive and we, therefore, didn't start paving. Some things you can't plan for. Stay tuned. I will report it as we actually get started.