Piles of dirt and wood have scattered the courtyard at the
historic Veterans Memorial Building since construction began Aug.
26.
The structure’s gutted inside
– the
”
Main Hall
”
– features a chaos of hard-hatted workers and an unrhythmic
grinding of tools. The ripped-out ceiling, once plagued by
asbestos, is now just a symmetrical pattern of wood.
Piles of dirt and wood have scattered the courtyard at the historic Veterans Memorial Building since construction began Aug. 26.
The structure’s gutted inside – the “Main Hall” – features a chaos of hard-hatted workers and an unrhythmic grinding of tools. The ripped-out ceiling, once plagued by asbestos, is now just a symmetrical pattern of wood.
Tuesday, electricians worked on roughing in the kitchen. Workers outfitted dressing rooms with plaster and sheet rock. Plumbers piped the bathrooms.
Dirt clings to almost any person or object entering the Main Hall.
Construction crews renovating Hollister’s downtown historic site at Seventh and San Benito streets have reached the halfway mark, according to Franz Seidelhuber, the project’s construction manager for Harris and Associates. The highly anticipated $3.8 million project is running smoothly and remains on schedule for completion by early April, he said.
“One of the challenges of a renovation project is understanding what’s beneath the walls,” Seidelhuber said.
In this case, it’s an abundance of local history. And the city plans to keep it that way.
“We tried to retain the historical look, the way it was,” said Robert Ornelas of the Hollister Recreation Division, who is a member of the project team that will manage the facility and oversee rentals.
“We’re excited,” Seidelhuber said. “We’ve waited a year and a half for this to come to fruition.”
Seidelhuber – from his trailer office – oversees the project and stays in contact with city officials and updates them on the progress.
The City of Hollister started planning the renovation project in December 2000 when ownership of the building transferred from the county to the city. In August 2001, Huboi Architecture performed an architectural evaluation and recommended repairs and upgrades. It discovered asbestos and lead-based paint throughout the facility.
Construction began in August, with plans not only to upgrade the building to current safety codes, but also for seismic retrofitting and additions to comply with the American Disabilities Act – including a wheelchair lift and elevator. In the past, the ADA disallowed public use of the second floor because it lacked the necessary accessibility.
“Just under 8,000 square feet was unusable because of the American Disabilities Act,” Seidelhuber said.
Other enhancements include a kitchen renovation, acoustic silencing, electrical upgrades and a fresher appearance for the building exterior and courtyard.
“We’re trying to retain a historical look but have modern amenities,” Seidelhuber said, adding that laptop Internet access will also be installed.
Out front, commemorative pavers will surround two monuments that pay tribute to those who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Each paver of granite will be 6 inches by 12 inches and each tile – for veterans who reside in SBC – will cost $100, according to a City Council report. Hollister, however, will not profit from sales, according to City Engineer David Rubcic.
The estimated cost for installation, engraving, maintenance and administration fees will be $96,000.
The design team has performed “exceptionally well,” Seidelhuber said, while avoiding any major setbacks. Crews have finished bracing, or taking all necessary interiors out of the building. The seismic work is complete, he said, and the building performed well during Hollister’s earthquake Jan. 7.
Seidelhuber said the next major milestones will be initial stages of painting and installation of a new air-conditioning system. Crews will soon remove clutter from the courtyard and begin pouring concrete. Once the painting is complete, the project will be about 75 percent finished, he said.
As Seidelhuber walked the grounds Tuesday afternoon, he expressed a cheerful confidence in his workers and the progress made until now.
“There’s Jesse. He’s the concrete guru,” Seidelhuber said before entering the trailer. “These guys really kick butt.”
Once completed, the facility will be “pretty much open” to anyone who wants to rent it, according to Ornelas, who added that past users and residents will get first priority.
“I’m excited for the community,” Ornelas said. “People will walk in and say, ‘Wow.'”
