Gazebo could be getting upgrades

Focal point of city square showing its age, official says

One of Chardon’s most recognizable landmarks is being reviewed for potential renovations.

One of Chardon’s most recognizable landmarks is being reviewed for potential renovations.

City Council’s Service Committee will meet Sept. 17 to discuss upgrades to the gazebo on the city square.

“The gazebo is in need of general maintenance,” Public Service Director Paul Hornyak said. “It was constructed in the early ’80s and some of the outer wood façade is weathered and in need of replacement. In addition, some of the structural supports are in need of shoring.”

So far, the city has contracted with Oravec Design Build, LLC for a visual inspection and condition summary. No formal testing was done.

Some of the observations were:

• The structure has experienced moisture damage below the roof and down the columns

• The wood and steel structural construction is somewhat unorthodox and not “standard practice” in today’s methods.

• There is some lateral instability, which is resulting in the slight east-west movement of the structure.

• The gazebo’s steel posts are experiencing mild “surficial” deterioration at their bases.

“The staff has noticed loosening of certain portions of the outer façade, which is most likely due to slight movement of the structure, perhaps caused by strong northwestern winds,” said Hornyak, noting that the condition isn’t considered dangerous. “The main reason for the repairs was the outer shell and not the structural stability.”

There are no immediate plans to replace the structure, as happened with the log cabin that stood nearby. The latter was demolished in 2015 in favor of the larger, more modern Heritage House, to the consternation of some.

“At this time, we are only discussing renovations,” Hornyak said.

The potential price tag ranges from a $50,000 contractor’s estimate in 2016 to, more recently, $150,000 from the city’s architect. Hornyak noted that these figures are not based on a defined scope of work.

“This work will most likely require a (request for proposals) or formal bid, as this would appear to be outside our staff’s area of experience,” he said.

The new bandstand was begun in 1981 and dedicated the following year with a performance by the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Aircraft Wing band. Police estimated 5,000 people crowded the square for the show. The project was sponsored by the Chardon Square Association.

“The gazebo is a beautiful re-creation of the town’s historic bandstand and is the focal point of activities on the square,” said Councilman Andrew K. Blackley, Service Committee chairman. “It has become nearly as iconic as the courthouse as a symbol of Chardon and every effort is justified in preserving it for the future.”

The committee will meet at 8 a.m. at city hall.

BETSY SCOTT — THE NEWS-HERALD Chardon leaders are contemplating renovations to this landmark on the city square.