Architect to design proposed new field house, high school improvements

by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor

An architect has been selected to prepare plans for a proposed new fieldhouse at Gilpin Memorial Field. Members of the board of education approved the recommendation of the property and facilities planning (PFP) committee April 13 to engage the services of United Design Associates of Cheboygan at an hourly rate of $80, necessary mileage to Rogers City at $.40 a mile and an 8 percent project design fee.

The Huron Athletic Boosters have pledged their support to raising money to build a new field house for concession sales and permanent restroom facilities. The architect also will prepare drawings for improvements at the high school, which would include renovation of the locker rooms, chemistry room and an upgrade of the air controlling system.

COMMITTEE CHAIR Robert Starnes said, ?They (United Design) were the cheapest outfit out there, as well as an outfit that we?ve done business with before, so they?re familiar with the district. I think it is the best way to go.? The committee met March 7 and 24 and reviewed several proposals for various building and site projects that the district will undertake in the immediate future.

?If we decide to not go ahead with the project, we would pay them the $80, plus their mileage,? said interim superintendent Don Schaedig. ?If we decide to go ahead with the project, that woul

d be considered part of their 8 percent project cost.? Board member Armand Loiselle said it is ?critically important? that the boosters be involved in the design phase of the facility. He also is concerned ?how that facility is going to fit into the entire plot plan of Gilpin Field,? the rickety bleacher seats, the poorly constructed press box and the dangers using the ladder to the roof of the press box.

STARNES SAID the press box isn?t ?something we want to stay with. Do we want put it on top of the facility we are considering. It is basically going to depend on what we hear from the sports boosters.?

Marx said representatives of the PFP committee will either attend a boosters meeting, or invite booster reps to meet with them, to ensure they are involved in the planning process.

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