The Redfern Arts Center is undergoing renovations both inside and out, according to a KSC construction official.
However, with the lack of funding, this five-year project has hit more bumps than a rock rolling down a hill.
In regards to exterior renovations, the building is due for “some life safety improvements, meaning the sprinkler system, the fire alarm system and some metal paneling,” said Colin Burdick, construction clerk of the works.
This is only enough for what the funding currently covers. “The state identified these problems, but they weren’t paying us to fix these problems,” said Burdick. They had all the groundwork completed, but could not proceed until they figured out ways to shuffle the money around.
This revamping took place because of a fire and safety inspection that had been completed years prior. “There are violations in all our buildings, but we’re taking care of them,” said Burdick.
Regarding the Arts Center, concerns about safety violations became the top priority. When asked why, Burdick said it was “a story of what was okay in the ’80s.”
“Buildings don’t evolve as quickly,” he said. “It’s one of the only buildings on campus that doesn’t have the main entrance that draws you in,” said Burdick. He followed this up by explaining how that was how they built buildings, even though “aesthetically, it stinks.”
The Redfern has received just enough funding to cover the safety violations, and now that this project has been funded, the renovations are happening, hopefully making the Redfern Arts Center safer for everyone.
Molly Lu McKellar can be contacted at
mmckellar@kscequinox.com
