Vogel Arena remodeling generates debate

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

Editor's note: This is the third of a three-part series on the design of community and recreation projects in New Ulm.

NEW ULM--Although the smallest, in terms of dollars, of three community and recreation construction projects to be completed with money from a local sales tax, the remodeling of Vogel Arena into a field house has stimulated the most discussion.

The space will be modified to support four activity stations, three multi-function basketball courts and a running/walking track.

Architect Ted Rozeboom told the city council that some of the discussion centered on building a mezzanine into the design.

"But it was cost-prohibitive. You could maybe consider an auxiliary gym as an add/alteration," Rozeboom said.

Another proposal was to overlay four volleyball courts over the three basketball courts because volleyball courts are smaller.

"Yes, it could be done," Rozeboom said, "but it would create a new set of problems. I think the additional striping that would need to be done to define the volleyball court would create confusion because the three courts are going to be striped for tennis and basketball, as well. Also, there is the issue of dividers between the courts."

Placement of the exercise room was another issue at which the architects are going to take another look. Rozeboom said their estimate is that it would cost an additional $62,000 to move it, but there's no reason the move can't be listed as an alternative.

Estimated cost of remodeling is currently $1,119,000, $50,000 over the Referendum figure or 4.5 percent over budget.

Target date for completion is the same as the fairgrounds project, January 2003.

Three basketball courts have been mapped out inside a running track in the gymnasium. With additional striping, the three courts could be used for either tennis or volleyball.

"The design for the field house is intended to produce a more user-friendly fitness center atmosphere," Rozeboom said.

This would be achieved by introducing natural light through five new windows on the west side, as well as new light fixtures (if alternates are accepted) and freshly painted walls and structures.

Also a stronger visual connection between the lobby and field house will be made by replacing the existing doors with new window frames and doors that hold more glass. The field house floor will be completely covered with a synthetic sports flooring system that is multi-functional.

Retractable divider curtains suspended from the ceiling will divide each of the four activity stations, allowing them to be used at the same time for different activities while protecting the safety of the users.