Fantastic buildings: Work progresses on school projects
While the performing arts center half of the Marion-Florence USD 408 building project is nearing completion, the second half of the project is starting to progress as well.
Cement for the gymnasium/indoor pool was poured a few weeks ago, and the physical aspects are now starting to show.
But it's something else that has everyone involved smiling.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently approved an application from the school district to provide funds in the amount of $330,000 for a FEMA regulated storm shelter in the gymnasium. The shelter also will serve as the Marion High School wrestling room.
"It was a tremendous relief," USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker said. "Obviously the safety of our students is the top priority."
Project architect Greg Tice of Spangenberg/Phillips said overall things are going well for the building that was approved by voters in April 2005. He said it is still on target for an May 2008 completion date.
"They are going to be really fantastic buildings," he said.
In August, USD 408 board of education approved the outside look to the building, as shown in the rendering. At first six of the seven members voted for a dominant blue exterior, with member Keith Collett casting the "no" vote. At the next meeting, the board discussed it in more detail, and decided the silver with blue trim would have a longer lasting "curb appeal."
As for the inside, it will be like no gymnasium Marion has seen before. In fact, according to Tice, "no other district in the state will have as nice of facilities."
The floor will feature a main competition basketball court and two practice cross courts, along with two volleyball courts. The center court will have a 29x29-foot Warrior emblem.
A track will sit above the courts, and the bleachers will hold 2,000 people, large enough to host a sub-state basketball tournament.
On the other side, the six-lane, indoor pool will more than likely include a baby pool, spray pad, and slide. While Tice is confident they all will be worked into the plans, they are not finalized as of yet.
Everyone involved with the project is adamant that no matter what is added to the plans, the cost will not increase.
The mil levy has been set, and by law, the amount of roughly $8 million spread out to the tax base for the project cannot be raised.
