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By
Shawn Daley Editor
What a difference some etched glass can
make.
Town council reviewed new options
Tuesday night for a two-story addition to the future Performing and
Cultural Arts Center on Salem St.
For the most part, the council members
were very impressed with what they saw.
Architect Steve Schuster of Clearscapes
displayed various types of sketched glass that could be used on the
addition, which will contain a large staircase and have a glass front.
Council members in June criticized the
look of the glass front and asked fro Schuster to present some minor
changes.
What Schuster offered on Tuesday was
different toned glass with an arch etched across the front. Also
etched into the glass was the name of the building, 'Apex Cultural Arts
Center.'
Councilman Gene Schulze, a vocal critic
on the original design, was pleased with the changes.
"I like what I see," said Schulze. "For
me, this does it."
"I like the inscription signage," added
councilman Mike Jones. "Now there is no need for a sign on the
building."
Councilman Bill Sutton was also
impressed.
"The etched glass is a good thing," said
Sutton. "It really breaks up the plain glass."
Although councilman Bryan Gossage said
he "didn't have a problem" with the original design he thought the new
options were an improvement.
"I really like it," said Gossage. "I
think it is tremendous. As for adding something to that part of the
building I think it's great."
Only councilman Bill Jensen expressed
any doubts about the new look.
"I hate to be Mr. Negative," said
Jensen, "But if we are trying to separate (the addition from the original
building) why not set the addition back more?"
Schuster explained the addition already
is set back 18 inches and there is no room left for a bigger setback.
"We are already using every square inch
of property," said Schuster.
Although council still needs to decide
on the details of the etched glass, such as where the signage and arch
will be placed, the project can still proceed on schedule.
"We are certainly heading in the right
direction," said Jones.
Schuster will return next month and
present council with the results of construction bids.
Construction is tentatively set to begin
next month and the $2.1 million project is slated for completion in June
of 2007.
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