New entry tile for Turner Hall

Courtesy of Galena Gazette
Hillary Dickerson, Editor

GALENA–It looks like the entry way at historic Turner Hall will be getting a bit of a makeover.

New tile–projected to cost around $6,000 for 280 square feet–will likely be finalized and approved at the October meeting of the city’s Turner Hall committee.

The committee, meeting Thursday, Sept. 7, heard a brief presentation by Todd Lincoln of Knautz Flooring. Lincoln recommended a white tile with black accent but said he is open to ideas and suggestions from the committee as well.

Funding for the tile project will come from the Joe Miller Trust through the Galena Foundation. The city owns the Bench Street property and has been working with the foundation to restore the building.

The committee also discussed the budgeted amount for the flyloft project and the work still to be done.

There is about $46,000 in funding available, said Janelle Keeffer, city facilities manager, and the flyloft work is expected to cost around $28,000 for insulation, a thermal barrier paint, ceiling fan and some tuckpointing and sealing.

City staff will solicit revised dollar amounts for the work, so that the project will be under contract by the end of the year with the work likely to be completed next spring.

In other business, the committee reviewed the rate structure for the hall and briefly discussed a recent drawing by architect Adam Johnson of the proposed addition which will include a kitchen and storage space.

The next Turner Hall meeting is Thursday, Oct. 5 at 8:30 a.m. at Turner Hall.

City commits $50,000 to Grant Park project

Courtest of Galena Gazette
Hillary Dickerson, Editor

GALENA–The city of Galena will commit $50,000–$25,000 for two years–to the Grant Park restoration project.

The city council, during its meeting Monday, Aug. 28, unanimously approved the contribution level, a request from the Galena Foundation, which is set to kick off its fundraising campaign for the project.

This multi-year project is estimated to cost $250,000. In addition to the city, the Galena Foundation has pledged $50,000.

The goal is to raise another $150,000.

The Galena Foundation has already contributed over $70,000 to the project, according to City Administrator Mark Moran.

Considerable progress has been made on the short and long-term projects planned for the historic part, including: new main entrance and upgraded secondary entrances, designated accessible entrance point with defined accessible parking area, pergola and pavilion restoration, reconstruction of elliptical garden and planting beds, erosion management, repair and replacement of concrete sidewalks and concrete surroundings, new playground equipment and improved basketball courts and preservation of Johnson Street, Galena’s last brick street.

“It’s a beautiful park and it’s a city park,” said council member Robert Hahn, giving his support to the city’s contribution.