Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 14, 2007 Click image for larger view The new Talent City Hall takes shape just north of the railroad depot on Main Street. (Mail Tribune / Jim Craven) RAISING THE ROOF Construction is progressing on new Talent City Hall By john darling for the Mail Tribune TALENT — The roof is up on the new $2.3 million Talent City Hall, and builders are in a race with the rain to get tar paper and shingles on so electricians can start their work. Completion is set for early August. Across the commons from City Hall, the new library is filling up with books and will be dedicated Feb. 25, with an opening scheduled the next day. Marking a departure from Talent's practical, historic look, six Doric columns went up on the east City Hall entrance in recent weeks, lending a "more formal look, indicating stability and permanence," said Mayor Don Steyskal. The plain, unfluted columns hold up the front arcade and contrast with three large, steep gables that will house the structure's mechanical systems. When the structure went before the city's architectural review committee, there were differences over the columns, with some people questioning the departure from "old town design standards," said City Planner John Adam. Advertisement However, the city maintained that the columns were a standard feature of civic architecture and they "weren't trying to re-create the past" in the design, he added. "I'm getting used to them," said City Manager Betty Wheeler. "I was a little nervous. But we've done a lot of research and found many cities have them." The main floor measures 7,700 square feet and will house the planning, finance, water and building inspection departments, the city manager's office and meeting rooms. The police department will move into the present 2,000-square-foot City Hall for eight months while its quarters are gutted and modernized. The present cinder-block building, constructed by volunteers in the 1970s, will then be razed to make a parking area for the 117-year-old Community Center. Paved parking will be created east of City Hall. The grassy part of the commons, with a new stage, will be used for many "Talent sized" outdoor events, including music and dancing for the Harvest Festival this September, said Wheeler. The new City Hall was built with urban renewal funds. About $500,000 worth of construction had to be trimmed as plans progressed, including skylights and outdoor concrete features, she said. The city also had to go with less expensive windows, carpets and heating system. Down the road, the city hopes to expand the grassy part of the commons by purchasing the backyard of the historic Bahr-Brown house when funds become available, Wheeler noted. The one-story house, built in 1902, serves as a rental and is wedged between the front of the Community Center, new and old city halls and the nearby railroad depot. "If we could make a bigger park, we'd be ecstatic, but a willing buyer-willing seller situation doesn't exist now and there are no grants I know of for that sort of thing," said Steyskal. The master plan for the new City Hall calls for an addition that would house a multi-purpose public space, but Steyskal said that would be "five years, more like ten years out." A final addition will be built for council chambers, now located in the old Community Center. Wheeler said she's exploring possible grants and foundation money for the multi-purpose addition. John Darling is a freelance writer living in Ashland. E-mail him at [email protected]. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help