While renovation of the Veterans Memorial Building nears
completion, officials from the city and county will tour the
historic downtown gem to view the progress.
While renovation of the Veterans Memorial Building nears completion, officials from the city and county will tour the historic downtown gem to view the progress.
From April 9-11, six groups made up of officials from the Hollister City Council, county Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Division will take one-hour tours led by contractor David Huboi and other officials involved in the $4.1 million renovation that began in August.
Huboi said he plans to review with officials the renovations that include several safety upgrades and better accessibility for disabled people.
“We want them to see what’s going on inside the building,” Huboi said. “It’s starting to shape up.”
Public Works Director Clint Quilter said, “We’re getting close enough to where we can have people safely go in the building and give them a chance to walk through it.”
The Veterans Building was built in 1927 and Hollister officials decided to renovate the building in 2000 when its ownership was transferred from the county to the city.
After Huboi’s initial evaluation, he recommended repairs and upgrades that included removal of asbestos and lead-based paint. Officials have also performed seismic retrofits and have made additions so portions of the building would comply with the American Disabilities Act.
The project is scheduled for completion May 22, just in time for its first scheduled event – “Spotlight on Hollister,” a trade show and job fair.
By that time, even though there may be some finishing touches remaining, Huboi said, “We’ll have it done enough.”
Huboi said the “structural part” is completed, which includes extensive seismic retrofits and some foundation work. Crews will finish plastering walls and will begin painting soon, he said. Huboi also expressed enthusiasm about several safety upgrades, including both fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems.
He said workers have put great energy and passion into the Veterans Building project, and they are thrilled about the approaching completion.
“There are so many more dimensions than it just being a construction project,” he said.
Huboi said he will voice that same “passion” to those taking the tours.
“We’re starting to see some of the neat things as far as the design of the outside,” Huboi said.
City Councilman Tony Bruscia will tour the site Friday and said he is excited about seeing the progress.
“It’s nice to see it’s getting close to being done,” he said. “It’s going to be a really nice venue for community events.”
