SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — It’s going to cost a small fortune to replace the aging parapet and cornices around the top of the historic Washington Pavilion.
“It’s certainly hard to swallow, I’m not going to lie,” says City Councilor Christine Erickson, as Council was briefed on the potentially $7 million project.
Council was warned that there is a danger that pieces of the century-old cornice could fall to the ground if something isn’t done.
City Finance Director Shawn Pritchett says the sensible thing to do is go for a replacement because annual maintenance costs would keep adding up.
The proposal is to replace the cornice and parapet with fiberglass pieces that would look like the originals especially from a distance. It’s called a “50-year fix.”
Erickson and the other councilors acknowledge the steep cost, but also seem to feel that something will have to be done to protect the Washington Pavilion because it is such an important asset.
