By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
WABASH, Ind. – Wabash City Council members received an update on the city’s Stellar Community Grant projects when they met on Monday, June 26.
Rachel Swanson, of American Structurepoint, updated the council on the various projects part of the Stellar program.
For example, exterior work on the Rock City Lofts should be done sometime in July, she told Council, while bids for the work on the 13-15 corridor should be let sometime later this year.
“Work on the (Rock City Lofts) store front is about to begin and should take about 10 to 12 weeks,” Swanson said. “The interior framing is mostly complete and drywall is in on the second and third floor. Flooring is starting to be refinished on the upper floors.”
The owner occupied house renovation project is getting ready to enter its second phase, she continued, while the Inclusive Park is still in the midst of raising funds. Bids on that project could be let later this year.
The second phase for the owner occupied project has 16 applicants.
The Eagles Theatre project is in the final design stage, Swanson told Council, reporting on that project.
“They’re anticipating construction bidding in July of this year,” she said. “There’s one more public hearing to be held in relation to the (Community Development Block Grant) funds, and that’s being held on Juy 19 at the Honeywell Center.
“They are pursing the façade program as well.”
The project is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2018.
“Bids will happen in July,” she said. “Construction will happen in the fall. Everything closed out by the end of 2018.”
The Stellar Project is different than the larger renovation project the Honeywell Foundation is conducting.
The Stellar project includes work on the first and fourth floors of the Eagles Theatre, as well as work on the heating and air conditioning, preserving the outside of the building, installation of a fire sprinkler system, upgrades to the electrical service and work on the building’s elevator and stairways.
The other renovation project seeks to restore the theatre.
It calls for a second movie screen, expanded lobby, enhanced backstage area to allow for more live events, a restored fourth floor ballroom, and a partnership with Heartland Career Center that will launch a new multimedia arts program for regional students.