I heard that it will take nearly $2 million to repair the building. Where will that kind of money come from?
Jeff Haas of the School Board stated at Thursday evening’s meeting that $1.7 million was a figure the school board had calculated a number of years ago, based upon projected costs to restore the building as a school. The enormous sum comes from a combination of school codes and building requirements, among the strictest codes in the nation, and state ‘prevailing wage’ requirements made upon schools. Restoration will definitely take some work—a new roof, ADA access ramp and heating system, as well as paint and plaster—but at far less cost than restoring it as a school. Donations of materials and volunteer labor will also help offset costs. Costs are more likely to be on the order of $300,000, with much of that dedicated to theater restoration.
