Workers break ground on auditorium project

WORTHINGTON — The downpour outside didn’t dampen spirits at the groundbreaking of the Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center project Tuesday afternoon.

City leaders and auditorium supporters attended to mark the beginning of the project, which includes renovations to the existing auditorium and the addition of a 4,400-square-foot lobby and reception area that will include new restrooms and a new ticket booth.

“This building is now being utilized for many, many more years for the enjoyment of the entire community,” said Mayor Alan Oberloh, noting the facility was once slated for demolition. “And the efforts of the local group of people that are here made it happen.”

“I have nothing to say other than ‘thank you’ to the residents of Worthington,” added Ken Moser, who spearheaded efforts to pass the local option sales tax that will fund this project and construction of an events center.

“This is a great day for Worthington,” enthused Margaret Hurlbut Vosburgh, auditorium manager.

“Here we are, on this stage, soon to have a brand-new renovated lobby facility and air conditioning so we’ll be able to run programming 12 months a year. It is truly just a great deal of advocacy for the performing arts.”

Also attending the groundbreaking — moved indoors because of the weather —were members of the Memorial Auditorium Renovation Committee and outgoing Sen. Jim Vickerman.

“Sen. Vickerman was there for us when we went to the state legislature to ask for the ability to ask for a local option sales tax,” Oberloh said. “Thanks to the senator’s efforts we were able to be one of the last communities (to use) an individual local option sales tax and I think we’re quite fortunate.”

“I’m stepping down,” responded Vickerman. “But I’m not stepping out. I’m going to be here when this opens up.”

The $1.64-million project was delayed last April when the first round of bids came in over budget, but is now set to be completed in April of 2011.

“Here we are, on this stage, soon to have a brand-new renovated lobby facility and air conditioning so we’ll be able to run programming 12 months a year. It is truly just a great deal of advocacy for the performing arts.”

Also attending the groundbreaking — moved indoors because of the weather —were members of the Memorial Auditorium Renovation Committee and outgoing Sen. Jim Vickerman.

“Sen. Vickerman was there for us when we went to the state legislature to ask for the ability to ask for a local option sales tax,” Oberloh said. “Thanks to the senator’s efforts we were able to be one of the last communities (to use) an individual local option sales tax and I think we’re quite fortunate.”

“I’m stepping down,” responded Vickerman. “But I’m not stepping out. I’m going to be here when this opens up.”

The $1.64-million project was delayed last April when the first round of bids came in over budget, but is now set to be completed in April of 2011.

Tags: news, worthington, memorial, auditorium, project