The future of Warren Cultural Center remains in limbo as Cultural Center Committee members discussed multiple repairs that are needed on the facility.
Representing the committee Monday were School Board member Shannon Gorman, City Council member Memory Frazer, city Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Wagnon, and Mayor Denisa Pennington.
Under an agreement established several years ago, the City Council and School Board are to share equally in any repairs made to the facility. However, the schools have focused efforts recently on building a new basketball arena that can also be used for some community activities.
Gorman said the School Board has not discussed any action on the Cultural Center.
There have been some roof and foundation issues. Wagnon also said a large air conditioning unit has gone out.
Pennington said a $1.5 million bid on repairs had been made in 2020 but the committee recognized that construction costs have gone up since then. That bid included about $150,000 for new seating, $50,000 for new curtains and $200,000 for a new sound system in addition to the roof and foundation work. The air conditioning was not included.
The mayor said School Superintendent Bryan Cornish would send more information on the needed repairs.
“I’d hate to just let it go but there’s a point where you have to say it’s not worth it,” Frazer said.
“I don’t think anyone wants it torn down but it’s got a lot of problems,” Gorman said.
