Rooftop Units Installed at Granada
Friday, September 14, 2007
Things were looking up for the Granada Theatre this morning — way up.
A crane lifted the theater’s rooftop mechanical units and supplies for roof repairs on top of the building today.
It might take only two weeks to finish the roof work and start hanging wallboard on the ceiling, according to construction manager Bones Ownbey.
“The roof, ductwork and sprinkler system are what’s been holding us up before we can do the Sheetrock,” Ownbey said. “Once we start, I’m going to want to push, push, push.”
Finishing the upper-level work also means that the scaffolding in the performance area can be torn down. Ceiling joists and walls for some of the upper-level rooms just off the balcony also are going in and concrete slabs have been poured underneath.
“It’s a-hopping now in the theater these last couple of weeks,” Ownbey said.
The progress also means that before long the wallboard coverings for the theater’s walls will need to be hung and then covered with decorative stencils.
Although the renovation project is steadily closing in on completion, there’s still no set finish date. Supporters hoped to have the work done by the end of the year and the Emporia Arts Council made plans for a New Year’s party there, but it’s possible the finishing work may continue into early 2008.
The Granada opened in 1929 and has been undergoing a $2.8 million restoration. Earlier this year, it received some equipment from another old Emporia classic, Kenyon Hall, including the seats and stage rigging from Kenyon’s auditorium.