Wauregan Ballroom hopes to open in mid-August

Downtown venue has been closed since sprinkler break in May

Norwich — The Wauregan Ballroom will remain closed until mid-August, as repairs are made after a May 18 sprinkler break caused flood damage to the ballroom and four apartments in the historical building at the corner of Broadway and Main Street.

Michael Cunningham, building superintendent, said that repair crews had to rip out about 40 percent of the ceiling drywall to allow insulation above to dry out or be replaced. That part of the work is done, and the drywall restored, but the ceiling still must be painted.

The hardwood floor in the ballroom was saved by quick drying action the night of the flood, Cunningham said, but portions of the floor must be repaired. That work is expected to be done next week.

“We’re fairly confident it will re-

open by mid-August,” Cunningham said.

At least three events that had booked the ballroom had to be canceled or moved because of the damage, and Cunningham said a wedding planned for mid-August also will be moved because the scheduled Aug. 15 opening date cannot be guaranteed.

Wauregan developer Bruce Becker of Becker and Becker Associates credited quick work by the Norwich Fire Department to shut off the sprinkler pump and by Wauregan crews for limiting the water damage.

The 70-unity Wauregan Apartments opened in 2006 following a $20 million renovation. But the building has been plagued by sprinkler breaks caused by faulty sprinkler system pipes over the years.

Most of the original sprinkler system pipes have been replaced. The latest break occurred in one remaining section of original pipe.