Renovation of the Veterans Memorial Building is about 80 percent
complete, and with the first event in the revamped downtown
building scheduled for May 22, officials said it’s
”
crunch time
”
for contractors.
Renovation of the Veterans Memorial Building is about 80 percent complete, and with the first event in the revamped downtown building scheduled for May 22, officials said it’s “crunch time” for contractors.
The project, which started in August, has experienced delays in recent months. Construction Manager Franz Seidelhuber said his crew from Harris and Associates should make the May 21 deadline, which is about five months later than the original goal.
“We’re at the time to take things personally,” Seidelhuber said. “We’re working to get it done.”
He said the delay was caused by various minor setbacks, such as difficulties with geologic studies and the ground texture where crews will soon lay concrete. Harris and Associates also decided to voluntarily perform certain code-friendly upgrades that were not required, he said.
“The city, architects, Harris (and Associates) and the contractor are actively resolving issues.”
Hollister officials decided to renovate the 75-year-old structure in 2000 when its ownership was transferred from the county to the city. Huboi Architecture performed the initial evaluation and recommended repairs and upgrades that included removal of asbestos and lead-based paint. Officials also decided to perform seismic retrofitting and made additions so certain portions of the building would comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Officials are not clear on the project’s final cost, which was originally slated to be $3.8 million and is funded by the Redevelopment Agency. Estimates of the likely price tag have varied from $4.8 million in August by city officials to a January estimation by the contractor of $4.1 million.
“We’re working to get the project closed out within the approved (cost) contingency of 10 percent,” Seidelhuber said.
The event scheduled for May 22 is the Spotlight on Hollister Trade Show and Job Fair.
The Veterans Memorial Building is available for rental to anyone and is ideal for weddings, corporate events and parties, according to the Hollister Recreation Division. For information, call the Recreation Division at 636-4390.
