Remodelling the Cajundome
FROM 2003Waterproofing among top priorities LOUISIANA La. - She may be only 20 years old, but she needs a face-lift all the same.
Construction began on the Cajundome in 1981. The walls went up in 1982, the roof went on in 1983, and the doors opened to patrons in 1985.
This year, that 20-year-old roof is getting an update. And next year, if the Legislature approves a request for $10 million from the arena's commission, a major maintenance and improvement program will begin.
The work the arena needs includes projects aimed at preserving the building's structural integrity, changes to improve operations, revamping some areas to increase revenue and updating equipment that was state of the art 20 years ago but isn't cutting the mustard in 2003.
The 122,000-square-foot dome is steel covered by 1,350 tons of concrete, Production Services Director Phil Ashurst said.
The concrete is covered with a metal roof that has a rubber coating for protection, he said. That rubber coating is protected with paint. The repair of the rubber and repainting is under way at a cost of $436,000.
The dome will be repainted the same color, Ashurst said. The light color reflects light and saves energy.
Also part of the roof project is replacement and repair of the dome's gutters. The dome is drained right through the arena itself, Ashurst said. Patrons might think the vertical columns around the walls of the arena are support -- if they notice them -- but they actually are concealed pipes that drain rainwater into the storm drain system, he said.
Much of the gutter system is contained within the building, and there are some spots where the gutters and pipes have rusted. Additionally, the gutters along the canopies in the front and rear of will be repositioned and replaced for better drainage, Ashurst said.
The roof project was paid for with a loan. But the commission is hoping the Legislature will approve its $10 million capital request for a long list of needed projects.
About $2.8 million of the request would pay for priority projects aimed at preserving structural integrity and improving safety.
At the forefront is the repair of the arches in the brick facade, Ashurst said.
The bricks are laid around a frame of steel rods, which have rusted and expanded, breaking the bricks. It is estimated to cost $360,000.
That's a waterproofing problem, he said. The 1.3 million bricks on the facade were waterproofed during construction, but need a new coating, Ashurst said.
All the walls, ramps, joints and concrete also need waterproofing; taking care of the entire building is estimated to cost $1.3 million.
The front and rear of the arena has an extended metal roof; the roof screws need to be removed, fitted with new gaskets and replaced. The whole roof then will be recoated with waterproof material. That project will cost about $270,000, Ashurst said.
The canopy over the front entrance, which has a gravel roof, has been patched numerous times, and its skylights are leaking. Replacing it will cost about $90,000.
The soffit around the exterior is suffering from water damage; it is gypsum wallboard and is not holding up well in areas where there are leaks. Replacing the soffit with metal will cost about $170,000.
Updating the arena security cameras, and installing security cameras in the Convention Center, will cost about $300,000.
Next on the priority list are $3.4 million in projects aimed at saving money on operations, including replacement of an old chiller in the arena; buying more chairs and tables for events in the dome and the Convention Center; improving the sound system in the Mardi Gras Ballroom; replacing the 18-year-old sound system in the arena; replacing the curtain system, which is starting to dry rot; adding electrical ports in one parking lot for recreational vehicle parking; replacing brittle hockey glass; and building a canopy over the kitchen so caterers have a place for outdoor grilling.
About $120,000 of that $3.4 million would be spent on a basketball court, Ashurst said. The court has nicks and scratches, and the areas where it is joined are starting to show wear. The court is actually 164 pieces laid down in strips and bolted together. As it gets older, it becomes more difficult to install, he said.
The third priority is "revenue-generation improvements," which include upgrading concession stands; renovating the Mardi Gras Ballroom so its decor stands up to the Convention Center; upgrading box offices; and replacing some arena seats.
Perhaps most noticeable to patrons would be concession stand upgrades. Ashurst said the concession stands have not been changed or upgraded. Arena officials hope a revamping of both the stands' look and their food service equipment would improve the quality of the food and thus increase sales.
The fourth priority is $2.7 million for aesthetics and other improvements, which include a parking lot on the north side; paint and lighting inside the dome; landscaping the park area out front; rest-room improvements; the purchase of video conference equipment for the Convention Center, a chandelier for the Convention Center's lobby; a personnel lift for work around the dome; and cupholders for arena seats.
The original story
By ANGELA SIMONEAUX
asimoneaux@theadvocate.com
Acadiana bureau
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