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$5.5
Million Stadium Renovation
So says project architect Michael Teller from CBI Consulting, who reported to the Stadium Committee last week that the renovation project is set to begin in July and will be completely separate from the $110 million Lawrence High School project. “We're very excited to get this project started,” Teller said. “Once this is finished, corporate sponsorship will make this a financially viable enterprise for the city.”
CBI consulting is celebrating it's 20th year in construction contracting having worked previously on the Frazier Stadium in Lynn, White Stadium at Franklin Park in Boston, Fitton Field in Worcester at Holy Cross and restoring the bleachers, tennis courts and field track at Brown University. Teller was quick to point out that the Stadium renovation project will be separate from the Lawrence High School project. “There’s a complete boundary around our site which is out of their scope,” he said. “We are going to interface with Flansburg (the high school contractor) and the School Building Construction Committee because the two projects are adjacent to each other, but contractually we are completely separate. We were hired directly by the City of Lawrence’s Planning and Development Department.” Once completed, the 10,000 seat Stadium facility will include aluminum benches and house a large food court under the bandstand including four concession stands (two with full service kitchens), bathrooms, water drainage, a walkway with lighting, storage space, several flag poles lining the top of the structure, a brand new broadcast booth (excluding electronics), wheelchair ramps for handicap accessibility (in compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act), security cameras, a brand new track, visitors bleachers, and waterproofing membrane to preserve the structure against weather. Last year, the Lawrence
City Council approved Mayor Sullivan’s proposal for
a $30 million capital improvement loan, Since the previous Stadium Commission was dissolved during the Dowling Administration, a new commission must be established by the City Council. Mayor Sullivan says the Stadium will be under the authority and control of the City of Lawrence Stadium Commission much like the independent Airport Commission which has operated in the black for the past five years.
“High School events like football games and track meets will obviously take priority as far as scheduling is concerned,” he added. “We’d like to see a Commission made up of 7 people appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council to consist of a council representative, someone from the Recreation Department, a representative from the School Department, the schools' Athletic Director, veterans, and concerned members of the community.” Burke said the Mayors office is trying to work out an agreement with the school department to use school building construction funds from the Lawrence High School project to pay for the field turf. “...but, whether the schools pay for it or it's paid out of the capital improvement money, the field will be done with new, state-of-the-art field turf.” Mayor Sullivan said the possibilities of increasing revenue for the city through the stadium are endless, pointing out that with the new field turf Lawrence can attract semi-pro baseball and football teams. “Plus, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association mandates use of the field turf. If you want to host any playoffs you have to have this 'field turf'. It is standard because it decreases injuries to players,” Sullivan said. Lee Balcom, President of
the Stadium Restoration Committee said he is thrilled the
stadium is finally getting the “After years and
years of fighting the establishment at city hall, this is
finally happening. I think the people of Lawrence will
benefit tremendously from the type of project we are
putting together,” he said during a recent radio
interview. “I don't think people realize how
close the city was to tearing down this historic
structure and building a 3,500 seat steel stadium as part
of the high school.” Balcom has been involved with
the stadium project from the beginning and is head of the
Lawrence Historical Commission. Send your questions
comments to ValleyPatriot@aol.com |
which
includes $5.5 million for the stadium renovations. Mayor
Sullivan said that $4.3 million is originally slated for
the project with a $1.2 million cushion for cost overruns
or additional landscaping if the project finishes under
budget. Architect Michael Teller said that two
special areas have been set aside on each end of the
bandstand area. These will be used for public ceremonies
and small gatherings as well as several stone pillars and
landscaping where plaques and dedications to Lawrence
veterans can be placed. "We're also looking at a
wrought iron gate at each entrance area that compliments
the overall project." Teller said. 
Mayoral
aide Miles Burke said the Stadium Commission will
establish policies and procedures for the Stadium as well
as oversee it’s own staff for maintenance and
security. “We need a commission to work with
scheduling, establish pricing for events, advertising,
sponsorship, leasing, insurance and liability issues,
mutual agreements with schools that use the facility, and
work with private companies interested in
sponsorship.” Burke also said that despite the
separation between the Stadium and the new Lawrence High
School project, “the school department will share
financial responsibility for maintenance, parking leases
and sports agreements.” 
makeover it deserves. Balcom, along with a dozen
citizens appointed to the Mayor's committee have been
working intimately with architects, elected officials and
members of the business community for the past three
years to plan and execute the restoration project.