(Arnolds Park)– An event was held this (Fri.) morning as construction on the new Arnolds Park city complex has reached a major milestone. What’s known as a “topping out”, or beam signing ceremony, was held prior to the final structural steel being erected into place. Arnolds Park Mayor Jim Hussong says the excitement is mounting as the new facility continues to take shape…
“I mean we broke ground last August and now we should be into the building by the end of this year. Mother Nature’s been good with the weather on that that they were able to work when the weather was nice so it kind of filled in everything. The builder has been awesome. Hausmann has been very good at the communication and letting us know where things are at where the project’s at and if there’s any hiccups they let us know far ahead of time, so.”
Hussong says the city is grateful for the city’s support for the project, being funded through tax increment financing. He says it represents a lot of careful planning…
“I would have to say that two of the people that were a big part of the planning are no longer with us but Mitch Watters and Jim Jensen had a lot of key role in putting together. It’s sad they weren’t able to be here to see this, but in our hearts I know they are proud.”
Hussong adds the new facility will reflect the ambiance of Arnolds Park…
“Since Arnolds Park has been here for hundreds of years, we wanted to give an homage to that whole look and feel.”
Seth Lukonen, Project Manager with Hausmann Construction, the general contractor, says things remain on schedule…
“We’re coming into the spring season with today celebrating the topping out, so finishing structural steel, roofing over half of the facility right now, and starting the interior slab work. We’ll start framing around the library space over the next few weeks, so an exciting time. Getting it enclosed right as the spring weather is going to start changing on us, so very exciting for what is to come.”
Completion is currently set for late December of this year.
