Decisions on revamp of Civic Center could be made during special meeting
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

L-N File Photo Next Steps A final decision on just what repairs and renovations will occur at the El Campo Civic Center could be made during a special City Council meeting tomorrow.

The fate of more than $1.1 million in proposed El Campo Civic Center repairs could be decided Thursday when City Council meets in a special session as the deadline on decision making nears.

The Civic Center is scheduled to close August through October for renovations ranging from a new roof and air-conditioning system to the possibility of new facade and audio/visual system.

Council delayed making any decisions during their last April meeting to allow for the election and possible changes in municipal leadership.

During that session, RWS Architect Malcolm Gaus told city leaders their decisions would determine the ultimate price tag.

Council had budgeted $1 million to replace the original 1979 roof and air-conditioning system as well as new ceiling, floors, lighting and paint.

But other considerations for the facility which has served as a community center since 1989 include $116,000 for a new facade, a separate entrance for the museum, a reworked lobby with vestibule eliminating display cases and a host of other possible improvements.

Columns were included in the initial budgeting to help stabilize the main hall although removing asbestos glue in floor tiles was not. If all flooring is removed as opposed to tiled over, asbestos abatement could add more than $50,000 to all estimated prices.

The RWS figures are estimates, no bids have been let on any portion of the project.

Those bids will depend on material costs and could vary from estimates.

Council will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday in chambers, 315 E. Jackson. The meeting is open to the public.