Not sure why I was thinking about this, but recently Rex Rolfing said that city buildings like the admin building cost more because the city builds buildings to last 100 years.
Not sure what buildings he was referring to?
Let’s look at City Hall, it has weathered well but has needed upgrades.
The only other building I can think of is the Arena, ironically a building we want to tear down. Good luck.
Let’s look at this stellar resume of ‘100 year old’ buildings.
Canaries Stadium. As I understand it, it was built in the 90’s and is falling apart. Some have suggested we bulldoze it.
Convention Center. This place has seen many repairs. In fact it’s roof repair was part of the siding settlement.
Washington Pavilion. Supposed to cost $19 million and cost more than $50 million to date, including two roof repairs, and fixing the foundation, and more fixes to come.
Aquatic Center. As I understand it one of the pools needed to be fixed for a leak shortly after being opened.
Events Center. A building that has siding that has to be checked more often than an patient with Heart Disease.
Now we come to the $25 million dollar Admin building. I guess we will have to wait and see how it holds up, but if history has taught us anything, the city doesn’t have a stellar record of building ‘100 year old’ buildings.
The thought was nice though Rex.
The canaries stadium was built in the early 1960’s. They had a major upgrade much after that. Originally the team was part of a league that had college players come in for the summer to play.
Rex works in dog years. Divide by seven. His term limit was 7 years ago.
I’ve enjoyed the Canaries a few games. I’m planning on going more often. The stadium is one thing Huether wasn’t involved with. I’ve never been to the Denty or the Midco Baths. Mostly because of the corruption involved. Also, because building construction and inspections were inferior. It’s not safe.
Canaries were part of the old Northern League pre-Minnesota Twins. The original stadium had to have major upgrades in order to restart the 1990’s version of the Northern League.
A friend’s father was the Coke Bottler in St. Cloud and owner of the original Northern League team there.
Maybe a renewed interest in Sioux Quartzite is the answer….. Because only “Urban Renewal” can bring it down…..