Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - Dana Wannemacher, from Barton Coe Vilamaa Architects and Engineers Inc., Fort Wayne, presented plan options Tuesday to the North Manchester school board for the high school gymnasium renovation.
The gymnasium renovation's price ranges from $1.65 million to $1.85 million. The architects' plans include demolishing the stage and mechanical mezzanines and replacing the gym floor, making a noticeable difference in function both to the spectators and players on the court, according to Wannemacher.
In Indiana, 95 percent of gym floors are built the same, said Wannemacher. The wood flooring is laid and shaved even, and then the flooring is filled with tar. With the new flooring, there would be a noticeable difference in the floor's flexibility, said Wannemacher.
In the gym's upper level, the architects plan to replace the existing ceiling with acoustic surfacing, repair stadium seats as needed and install a lifting hoist for gymnastic equipment and wrestling mats. Renovations also include a retractable batting cage on the upper deck, which would be hoisted to the ceiling when not in use.
As requested by the school board, the firm offered alternative plans. The first was an auxiliary gymnasium that would be built over the existing tennis courts. That plan totaled an estimated $2 million to $2.25 million. Another auxiliary gymnasium plan mapped a "pretty stripped-down building," said Wannemacher. It would cost $1 million to $1.25 million.
The board raised concerns about the auxiliary gymnasium plans because of the added responsibilities of a new gym with the maintenance of the old gym.
The board favored the renovated gym.
The board will vote on the issue on Oct. 16.
The school board members are president Sally Krouse, vice president Virginia Gunter, secretary Brad Perrott, Thom Frantz, Larry Miller, Todd Speicher, assistant superintendent and acting superintendent Kim Thurston and school corporation attorney Al Schlitt.
