Mail Tribune News - Mark likely to reopen in February

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Mark likely to reopen in February ASHLAND -- A WestCoast Hotels advertisement in the latest United Airlines magazine boasts a fall opening date for the historic Mark Antony hotel. Even building owner Doug Neuman was surprised when he saw the ad, despite his previous predictions of an October grand opening. Those plans have been set aside for a more realistic February 2000 finish date to coincide with the opening of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. "I don't want to open during the slowest part of the year," explained Neuman. Demolition of some of the hotel's interior has paused after workers discovered asbestos insulation on some of the steam pipes of the old heating system. Some lead paint was also found. But the two toxic substances won't delay work for long, says renovation architect Robert Seibert. He hopes to have finished the mechanical and electrical plans for the renovation in three weeks. Workers have already ripped out all of the old carpeting, air conditioners, room radiators and bathroom fixtures. In one guest room, a pile of toilets stands as testament to the amount of work already accomplished and the huge amount still left to be done. Red lines mark the walls slated to be removed. Neuman says the large size of the nine-story hotel will actually help speed the project along because construction crews will be able to work on separate floors at the same time. Neuman has hired a San Francisco-based interior design firm, Candra Scott and Associates, to create a design theme for the building's interior. Local historic preservation expert George Kramer will be preparing rehabilitation certification documents for the project. Federal approval of the plans mean Neuman can qualify for tax credits. Mail Tribune Copyright �  The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA