Updates
03/29/06:
Work progresses on the Wakefield Memorial Building restoration project. To date, we have completed asbestos removal, temporarily secured building openings, and completed the space programming task. In this update we would like to share with you the preliminary programming document:
Wakefield Memorial Building Space Programming Report
05/24/06:
Contracts have been let to Hitch/SEH for engineering and design of the new roof. We are cautiously optimistic that the load-bearing exterior walls can support a new roof. Of the approximate 20,000 sq. ft. of roof, 6,000 sq. ft. over the theatre has caved in and the remainder is beyond salvaging.
In the meantime, Peter Koruga and Son will complete the debris removal within the next two months. Final demolition of the "motel" should be completed within the same time frame.
In July, the first meeting of the trustees of the non-profit Wakefield Memorial Building Foundation will take place in Wakefield. The board is comprised of local citizens.
07/31/06:
The motel has been demolished and 65 tons of debris has been removed from building. The Wakefield Memorial Building Foundation held its first Advisory Board meeting on Monday, July 3, 2006 in Wakefield, Michigan. The meeting included a welcoming by Marvin Suomi and presentations by Gundlach Champion, SEH Architects, and Hitch Engineering. The Advisory Board is intended to provide frank advice to Suomi as to how the Memorial Building should be restored. The Board will complement the advice that is being provided by city officials, the public school system, the contractor, and the architect of the project. The following people serve on the Foundation Advisory Board:
Richard Bolen, Julie Hautala, Dave Lynott, Timothy Makela, Eugene Maki, Loraine Mussatti, John Siira, Mark Stemphir, Roger Suomi, Mike Yon
The next steps to moving ahead with the project are as follows:
Provide a budget estimate of construction costs and schedule of activities for the design and construction phases; Complete drawings to detail the extent of demolition; Complete the structural design for the roof, wall, and floor systems, including masonry repairs and perimeter interior wall repair; Evaluate, size, and locate mechanical and electrical systems and equipment, including major ductwork; Complete the design for the roof system; Complete the design for the exterior windows and doors, including the stained glass windows; Complete the design of temporary and permanent moisture removal system and pumping station; Architectural floor plans to the schematic design level and coordinate layouts with structural, mechanical and electrical design; Complete the design of generator system; Solicit bids and prepare contracts for Abatement, Demolition, Concrete, Masonry, Structural Steel, Roofing, Windows and Doors, Mechanical, and Electrical Contractors; Complete the design for interior perimeter wall systems.
01/29/07
During the course of 2006 we continued with debris removal and to date have removed a total of 67 tons of loose debris. While removing debris we continued with programming and the roof structure analysis and design. Upcoming work involves:
- Schematic design for architectural layout including the entire building and immediate site area
- Schematic design for mechanical and electrical equipment sizing (M/P/E)
- Construction documents for the wall restoration, thermal/moisture enclosure, and structure
Part of the goal of this work will be to enclose the building protecting it from the elements. During the remainder of the winter months we also intend to continue with debris removal. We anticipate that in the spring we will remove the stained glass windows for repair.
08/01/07
Marvin Suomi and the Wakefield Memorial Building Foundation have decided to build a new memorial building better suited to the City of Wakefield’s needs. The cost of renovating the current Memorial Building is expected to reach as much as $20 million, but more importantly the engineering reports on the structure show that building is vulnerable in all respects and cannot support the necessary live loads for a new roof system. Suomi discussed the issue with Mayor Richard Bolen, City Manager John Siira, and his advisory group of local residents in Wakefield this past July. All parties were in support of a new building. Bolen commented, "I think it's the right thing to do. Whatever Marvin is to do, the citizens of this Wakefield will be eternally indebted to him. Going with a new building just sets a new chapter of progress and hope in this community." The original building was created as a memorial to World War I soldiers and Suomi wants that aspect to remain. He also wants to consider the new building as a memorial to veterans of all wars. "We want to keep parts that are true to its origin as a war memorial," said Suomi. These clearly will include the stained glass windows, which include several World War I tableaus.
The next step in the process is not demolition of the building, but an all-out effort to create a pleasing design that will serve the community well. Suomi commented that he would not demolish anything until he can clearly show the community what the replacement building would look like. The replacement building will be a smaller and more compatable building for Wakefield. It will also make a significant architectural statement. Suomi said that when people drive around the lake he wants them to say, “'Wow, look at that building!” Consultations with architects throughout the country have begun and Suomi plans to start interview process in the near future. "We want to try to find a designer who could come up to Michigan and say, 'What would be significant architecture for Wakefield?'" said Suomi. "We want to say what the community said when they built the initial building, that is we're going to build the best building that can be built." Suomi also wishes to continue to "bring the community in" to develop the structure. This would involve a one or two day charette with local citizens and the design architect chosen to brainstorm ideas and answer the question, “what defines Wakefield?” The first phase of the building would include city offices, the public library, and possibly a new swimming pool. A smaller auditorium, perhaps a theater-in-the-round, is also being considered. The change of direction also gives the city an opportunity to control day-to-day expenses. Suomi commented that "even after renovation, the costs of operating the building has always been a concern. Now we will be in a position to ensure that the city can afford the structure."