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OSF parking project stalled in final stages Ashland officials cite checks for safety systems By TONY BOOM ASHLAND - A new downtown parking structure already a month behind schedule likely won't open until next week. Modifications to a fire alarm system and completion of other safety measures have delayed the Oregon Shakespeare Festival parking structure. OSF had expected a portion of the lot to open by mid-July. Opening could be a week away or even later. "If you had asked me last week, I would have said (it would open) this week," said OSF Executive Director Paul Nicholson. "Something like this has continued for the last four to five weeks. It's disappointing, but everybody is working to try to make in happen." The new lot, with spaces for 145 vehicles, replaces a lot that had 84 spaces. Those parking spaces were closed Nov. 17 when OSF began work at the site that it is leasing from the city on a long-term basis. The site contains both the three-level parking structure and a new theater that will replace the Black Swan starting next year. Plans call for opening the top parking level adjacent to Hargadine Street first followed shortly thereafter by the second level. The first level won't open until the new theater is finished, said Nicholson. "The city fire and building inspectors ... have seen things that we understood didn't need to be finalized before the theater needed to be finalized," said Nicholson. A stairway leading off the top level and a masonry wall to create a pedestrian corridor on a lower level are needed to meet safety requirements. Exit lighting and handrails are also needed. "There was a design omission apparently covering the fire system," said Roger Genaw, superintendent for Emerick Construction of Portland, the contractor. "The fire marshal has come up with some requirements that weren't covered in the (design) documents." Thomas Hacker and Associates of Portland designed the buildings. They planned one alarm system to cover both structures, Nicholson said. He said separate systems are being required "The fire alarm system has yet to come into the city for review," said Ashland Fire Marshal Dave Hard. "Without plans to review, it's hard for us to act." Hard said he will not require fire alarm system approval for occupancy of the top level. An audible fire alarm and operational sprinkler system will be required before the ground or second level can be occupied. "I'm not going to let a building get occupied that in my opinion does not meet fire safety requirements," said Hard. Genaw said the stairway would be finished by the weekend and that the masonry wall was finished Wednesday morning. He will install ticket machines later this week after a sealant on structure walls has dried. "Right now, my guess is (opening) will be at least one week away," said Genaw. SecureCom Inc. of Medford is handling the alarm installation, according to John McBeth of Pacific Electric, subcontractor for electric and alarm work. McBeth said SecureCom should begin the alarm revisions today. "I hope to get (the alarm system) operating by Friday," said McBeth. A formal request for a temporary certificate of occupancy has not yet been made, said city building inspector Mike Broomfield. He said it isn't unusual to issue temporary permits while portions of projects await completion. Although OSF is building the structure, the city of Ashland will be the owner and operator. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.