The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly voted 9–0 on July 24 to appropriate $205,000 from the capital improvement program maintenance reserve for the Pioneer Park Centennial Center column repair project.
The project will supplement $170,000 already available from 2016 bond funds to repair 24 exposed glue-laminated wooden columns around the Centennial Center and address localized beam and vestibule damage. Public Works staff and the borough’s park superintendent said a consultant inspection found varying levels of decay; the recommended repair package includes reinforcing 12 columns now fitted with heavier base plates, repairs to the vestibule columns, epoxy repair to one column with advanced decay, beam repairs near the vestibule and moisture-prevention measures such as flashing and painting.
Why it matters: The Centennial Center is a heavily used public building in Pioneer Park that hosts arts groups, youth and school events, senior programs and serves as an election polling place. Park staff listed recent users including the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, school and charter graduations, community art exhibits and seasonal public events.
Administration presentation and timeline: Parks and public-works staff said the facility was built in 1964 and the contractor and structural engineer recommended repairs in 2025; the work is expected to extend the columns’ life by up to 15 years. Staff said the building can remain occupied during repairs and that the project estimate is $375,000. The appropriation authorizes the borough to proceed with repairs this construction season.
Assembly action: Assemblymember Crass moved the ordinance and Assemblymember Kelly seconded. The roll call was unanimous, 9–0.
Next steps: Public-works staff said repairs would be bid and scheduled for the 2025 construction season. The administration and parks staff said they will coordinate to schedule work so regular public uses and events can continue where possible.