CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The municipal auditorium in downtown Charleston has been closed for nearly a year due to health and safety reasons. Mayor Amy Goodwin said the city is taking the next steps for the future of the once popular venue.
”When I get that report back, I want to act and I want to act quickly,” Goodwin said.
Charleston City Council allocated $6.2 million on Tuesday night for multiple projects in the city, including $1 million set aside for the Municipal Auditorium.
“Can I save the facility, can I save the facade or can I not save it and the only folks who can tell me that are architects and engineers?” Goodwin said.
The auditorium closed in February of last year after ZMM architects and engineers were hired to assess the structure for solutions after decades of disrepair. After the first assessment, architects and engineers told the city renovating the auditorium or starting from scratch would cost nearly the same. Mayor Goodwin said quick fixes led to the initial assessment.
“Every single day that that municipal auditorium is shut, the city of Charleston loses money, and I don’t want that to happen.”
Last April, Mayor Goodwin told members of a special committee that a venue like the auditorium can be fully booked.
-Goodwin said the money set aside for projects on Tuesday could be used once the assessment of the facade is complete.
“Well, a lot is gonna depend on what that report says of how we move forward. You know, I don’t have a crystal ball and I would love to have the answer, but I don’t know yet.”
Council approved the next assessment in the first meeting of the year. The finance committee report said the study will help determine what to do with the facade of the building, which is considered a historical artifact.
City Council approved General Fund Budget Amendment No. 5 at Tuesday night’s meeting, allocating funds from the Unassigned Fund Balance to projects.
- $1M to establish a fund for the Municipal Auditorium Project
- $1.75M used to repair parking garages at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
- $700k for services including: architectural, engineering, and design for the Public Safety Center
- $600k for the continuation of the Charleston Land Reuse Agency programs and operations
- $350k used to construct a Charleston Fire Department training center at Station 8
- $300k for improvements at Danner Meadow Park
- $286k to replenish the inventory of road salt
- $250k to expand security camera use at Parks & Recreation facilities and parks.
- $250k for additional gear for CFD members
- $250k used to establish the Hearts of Our Neighborhoods program
- $180k to continue a partnership with Arts Amplified and support City Center Live
- $100k for city-wide beautification projects
- $75k expanding Charleston Urban Works to Kanawha City for a pilot program
- $50k for warming and cooling centers
- $25k for Council Chamber upgrades
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