By Jim Bloch
The city of Marysville has hired Infuz, Ltd. Architects to prepare design and construction documents for the new amphitheatre in Marysville Park.
The city council voted unanimously at its regular meeting July 10 to award the contract for $52,951 to Infuz, based in Detroit.
“The proposal provides design and construction documents for the new Marysville amphitheater,” said finance director Mike Booth, as heard on the recording of the meeting posted to Vimeo. “This project, as you know, was approved with the May 22 budget. The total of the project itself is $521,000. The contract was reviewed by Al Francis, our legal rep. He made a few tweaks to it.”
The payment schedule calls for Infuz to receive a retainer from the city of $10,790, followed by $18,883 upon the approval of the schematic design; $18,883 upon approval of the design development; and a final payment of $16,185 upon delivery of the construction documents.
“I know we’re planning to have construction begin after Labor Day,” said Mayor Kathy Hayman. “When will bid packets be ready — because I’m being asked that question?”
City Manager Randy Fernandez said the bid packets should be ready in a week or two. The plan is to begin construction soon after Hot Wheels Weekend, scheduled for Aug. 25-26, and have the new structure ready for use by next June.
“The proposed design is to be based on the to-be-demolished existing structure and aims to improve sun glare through reorientation, while providing modern amenities to performers,” said architect Vince Catalpa, Infuz principal, in his proposal.
The existing band shell faces due south and overheats in the summertime; it is suitable for a small band, but not much else, Caltaldo said.
The preliminary layout for the new facility that Cataldo presented in February includes an enclosed backstage area of 1,124 square feet, a new stage area of 1,100 square feet, custom columns, a new ADA walkway and stairs.
According to the contract, exterior work includes “design and detail of building shell per concept … including materials selections, construction methods, fenestrations, etc. Preference will be given to budget friendly materials.”
Inside the facility, “Interior walls will be identified with partition or framing areas, doors and openings, in accordance with approved schematic design plans. Drawings will include architectural floor plans, interior window and door schedules, reflected ceiling plans, and sections and elevations as required.”
Catalpa will also provide a schematic design of the mechanical and electrical systems.
Stage lighting and sound are not included.
The vote was 7-0.
“We can’t wait to get started,” said Catalpa in his July 7 letter to Fernandez.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.