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Vanderburgh County advances Coliseum repairs, seeks $3.5 million for ADA upgrades; Old Courthouse repairs ongoing
Summary
County buildings superintendent reported storm repairs and preservation work at the Old Courthouse and said phase 1 Coliseum construction is complete; Commissioners and a new Veterans Coliseum Preservation Foundation will pursue $3.5 million in fundraising for ADA improvements and restrooms.
Laura Toms, superintendent of county buildings, updated the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners on storm repairs and upcoming projects at the Old Courthouse and the Veterans Memorial Coliseum during the April 22 meeting.
Toms said crews repaired roof damage to multiple sections of the Old Courthouse after April storms and secured the cupola to prevent further water and wildlife intrusion. She described restoration work on the courthouse bell striker—installed with help from engineering students—and plans to bid a suite remodel (Suite B6), replace water-damaged basement restroom walls and courtroom flooring, and repair window casings and exterior steps.
Toms said the Coliseum has completed construction work tied to phase 1; the final step is CenterPoint Energy’s installation of new electrical infrastructure that will supply the chiller and permanent fire-suppression power. She said phase 2 will address Americans with Disabilities Act access and restroom upgrades so the building can receive a certificate of occupancy and resume public events.
“Once we get the ADA improvements done in the public restrooms, then the Coliseum will be able to get a certificate of occupancy and then you will be able to start letting events back into the Coliseum,” Toms said.
Toms and commissioners said the cost estimate for the remaining work is $3,500,000. The Veterans Coliseum Preservation Foundation, formed in January, will lead private fundraising for phases beyond the county-funded phase 1. Toms said the foundation plans public outreach and a gala currently scheduled for Nov. 1.
The board also approved a separate CenterPoint Energy work order at the meeting to install new electrical infrastructure for the Coliseum. That work order was described by staff as costing $65,480.07 and was approved by roll call vote.
The Old Courthouse continues to host rentals and community events, Toms said, and staff are marketing several vacant office spaces. She said maintenance crews have already taken emergency steps after the storms and that further bids and repair work will be scheduled.
The county’s actions leave the Coliseum’s long-term renovation dependent on the Foundation’s fundraising and CenterPoint’s completion of the electrical work needed to finalize phase 1.
