By Jessica Edwards
Engineers surveying the Chilkat Center for the Arts say its entire
electrical system needs to be replaced, and major improvements to its heating and
ventilation system may be necessary, but the building appears to be structurally sound.
A detailed survey, including upgrades necessary to make the building
viable for the next 25-30 years, will be submitted to the Haines Borough at the end of the
month.
"It doesn’t look like it’s going to fall down right
now," said Chris Gianotti, senior engineer with Juneau-based firm PND Engineers,
about the survey.
Besides defining problem areas in the building, the detailed report can
be submitted to agencies or foundations that might provide funding for renovations, he
said.
A team of engineers and an architect went through rooms, attics and
crawl spaces in the center April 25 to gather data for the report, which will detail
electrical, structural and mechanical deficiencies, potential upgrades, and features of
the building that aren’t to code.
An architect is working with historical preservation groups to be sure
all suggested remedies are in keeping with the building’s place in Fort Seward.
Gianotti said the electrical engineer found the electrical system in
need of complete replacement, and possible mechanical repairs included a major overhaul of
heating and ventilation systems.
Besides an obvious need for roof repairs and attention to the seam
between the original building and a 1980 addition, the building should be updated to
current seismic codes. "I didn’t see a lot of structural issues," Gianotti
said.
Borough manager Robert Venables said safety concerns, such as old
wiring and a dysfunctional heating system would be remedied first, and other deficiencies
would be addressed as funding sources were identified. "We do expect the list of
needs to be extensive and expensive."
Venables said the borough could provide limited funding, but said the
borough would "look to state and federal sources and various agencies (and
foundations) for possible grant funding."
The Chilkat Center adds to the quality of life in Haines by attracting performances and
providing space for activities by community groups, he said.
