Historic city hall is on schedule

Creig P. Sherburne/Atascadero News • Historic city hall is currently encircled in scaffolding so masons can repair and replace brickwork on the outside. Bernards said the masons are working as fast as they can so the scaffolding can come down and show off the beautiful exterior.

ATASCADERO — Workers on the roof, on the walls and inside historic city hall are making quick work of the restoration project, which is tentatively scheduled to reopen in May 2013.

Bernards Construction representative Anthony Verde told Atascadero City Council that construction on the historic City Administration Building is continuing as expected and its estimated time of completion is on time, if not early.

“We’ve got a great group of contractors and we’re moving right along,” Verde said.

During his presentation to the council, he said that all the structural framing in the high dome is complete, allowing the roofing process to take place. He added that crews are working hard to finish work requiring the scaffold which encircles the building at present.

“Brick replacement is currently ongoing,” he said. “We’re trying to get all the work done up high so we can get the scaffold down.”

On the roof, slabs have been poured for the penthouses. Electrical work is taking place throughout the building. A huge electrical switchboard has been installed in the basement with sub-panels going in throughout the historic structure. Electrical work is going on in earnest on the fourth floor, Verde said, so that mechanical installations can follow.

The elevator jack that the Atascadero News reported on in June was installed successfully, Verde said. Elevator brackets are in place and a temporary cab is in the shaft. A permanent cab will be constructed when the current structure and elevator support is approved.

Overall, Verde said, things are moving along nicely. Mayor Bob Kelley closed Verde’s presentation with congratulations and thanks to Bernards and all of its subcontractors.