Oconomowoc Community Center move-in date nears

Posted: Dec. 26, 2012

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Crews inside are installing flooring materials, plumbing fixtures, and will start dropping ceiling tiles and begin testing mechanical systems and safety systems.

Submitted Photo

Crews inside are installing flooring materials, plumbing fixtures, and will start dropping ceiling tiles and begin testing mechanical systems and safety systems.

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City of Oconomowoc - Much of the activity for the new community center has now moved inside, as final construction continues, and work is being done behind the scenes to prepare for the move into the new space. Discussions are also taking place about parking options for the center.

Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry John Kelliher said for the time being, staff is working on creation of a map to show the existing parking downtown and its proximity to the center.

A preliminary council agenda sent out last week included the item: Approval of Eminent Domain for 219 W. Wisconsin Ave., which is across the street from the community center. The item was removed before the official agenda was posted, but one could consider the city might be seeking it for parking.

City Administrator Diane Gard declined to comment on the matter, but said the item was removed because the city is having additional discussions with property owners, "so there is no need to proceed with eminent domain at this time," she wrote in an email.

According to Waukesha County tax key records, the property is owned by John A. Haas and Ken Herro. Its fair market value is listed as $217,000.

The Common Council met in closed session Tuesday regarding property purchase, which is allowed under state statues. Gard would not comment on whether that meeting was related to the same property.

Center timeline

Beyond the parking issue, Kelliher said the department is looking to move into the new building the week of Jan. 7. He said that staff offices would open the following week.

"Our intent is to move in offices by the week of Jan. 7, and it's possible that we can start some programming then. For instance, if we have a dance class in the evening, that wouldn't interrupt office use," Kelliher said.

A grand opening for the public will follow the move-in, the director said, but that date is still to be announced.

Findorff's latest construction update on the city's website, www.oconomowoc-wi.gov, posted Dec. 7, says systems ,are being turned on inside including the fire alarm, sprinkler system, elevator, boilers, heat and light.

Now crews are continuing work on the elevator and boiler, installing flooring materials, completing exterior siding and railing. They will also install plumbing fixtures, start dropping ceiling tiles and begin testing mechanical systems and safety systems.

Fun fact

Findorff often posts "fun facts" with its construction updates; this week's is about center design.

"When walking around the community center take a look at the design of the exterior and interior railings. The design incorporates stainless steel cables from CarlStahl (a German company that makes cables). The cables are an architecturally pleasing way to infill the railings to meet code," it says.