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Orange amphitheater work set for fall
(by Sali McSherry - September 21, 2011)
Orange amphitheater work set for fall
By SALI McSHERRY
Work that would make Orange village's future amphitheater safe is scheduled to be done this fall. The amphitheater could be functional next spring for musical performances and other events, Mayor Kathy U. Mulcahy said.
Orange Village Council unanimously approved spending $21,060 last week for repairs to the structure to be done by Parker Masonry and Construction LLC, of Auburn.
Village architect Ronald Kluchin told council that, structurally, the building was in good condition, but there was a safety issue with the brick veneer.
Orange had made a deal last spring with Bialosky & Associates, of Cleveland, to design a new village service center at the former St. Margaret of Hungary Church property adjacent to Village Hall. The amphitheater was a bonus, Mr. Kluchin said.
Village service employees had taken down an unsafe overhang supported by poles in front of the amphitheater and cleaned up the site earlier this year.
Some of the brick veneer on the east side of the building needs tuck pointing, and an area 6 feet down from the top of the building needs to be replaced, Mr. Kluchin said. Over the years it has become worse because water gets behind the 4-inch veneer, freezes and pulls the brick away from the wall, he said.
Bialosky & Associates wrote a bid specification and four or five companies bid on the project, with bids ranging from $21,060 to $46,000, Mr. Kluchin said. The bigger companies didn't want the job and that's why they bid high, he said.
Parker Masonry and Construction is a highly rated company, Mr. Kluchin said, and has its own scaffolding.
For an Eagle Scout project, a local Boy Scout is prepared to refurbish all the benches at the amphitheater, Ms. Mulcahy said.
Councilman Daniel Brown asked if the repairs were just a "Band-Aid," and the village would be spending additional money to make the amphitheater fully functional.
Mr. Kluchin said, after the repairs are completed, it would be fully functional, but the village might want to consider in the future fundraising to make other improvements, such as upgrading the sound system.
The terrazzo floor is in very good shape and the doors are in good condition, he said.
Councilwoman Frances Kluter asked if the amphitheater would "supersede" the village gazebo, located near the parking lot at Village Hall, which has been used for some band concerts.
Ms. Mulcahy said the amphitheater would offer additional opportunities.
Councilman Edward Bonk asked if the roof needed to be redone.
Mr. Kluchin said there was a small part in one corner of the roof that required repair, but there was no water damage to the roof.
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