With grant money, Secrest renovation imminent

ZANESVILLE – A recent injection of state funds into the renovation of the Secrest Auditorium means that construction on the project will begin within the next few weeks, according to city officials.

The grant money, totaling $125,000, will go toward replacing the 75-year-old auditorium’s roof, which has suffered from persistent leaks and structural decay.

The roof makes up just one portion of a larger renovation of the auditorium.

Public Safety Director Jay Bennett said the grant was awarded last week by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, which usually allocates funds specifically for education facilities.

But efforts by city officials — including City Council President Dan Vincent and letters of support from the mayor — succeeded in securing funds for cultural endeavors, specifically the renovation of Secrest.

“This money helps us to continue to invest in entertainment and culture in the city,” Bennett said. “Although it’s just one piece of the bigger project, it is a huge help in making sure this project will go through successfully.”

The estimated cost for the roof replacement is about $450,000, with the entire Secrest renovation project totaling an estimated $1.7 million.

Paul Construction, a local company, was hired by the city for the project, with the city issuing bonds to pay for construction costs.

Phil Lash, of Paul Construction, said the entire project will focus mostly on structural improvements that will allow the auditorium to function more smoothly, with other aesthetic improvements possibly occurring in the future.

The necessary repairs to the building include the replacement of the roof, a new boiler and chiller system, a new loading dock and garage to allow for easier access for semi-trucks carrying equipment, and renovations to the west wall.

epsmith@gannett.com

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Twitter: @evansmithreport