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Renovations inside the Rock County Historical Society’s new History Center have picked up pace after the holiday break and as temperatures rose into the 30s.
James Arentson, the project’s architect, said improvements on the building’s 100-year-old roof were completed in November, and after breaking for the holidays, workers have turned their attention inside.
“This is a stop and start process,” Arentson said. “Luckily the roof was done before winter set in.”
As temperatures rose to near 32 degrees last week, work progressed on the building’s floors.
Remme Construction of Luverne poured two concrete slabs in the building’s former garage area. The floor is being raised and will be concrete poured in four stages, according to contractor Denny Remme.
On Thursday, Jan. 14, his crew poured two pads, one at either end of the center’s planned exhibit area. He hopes to pour the middle portion in two sections on separate days once the weather warms again.
Temporary plastic enclosures have been constructed, ready for the installation of the new custom windows and doors, Arentson said.
Busse Plumbing and Heating of Luverne also began installing new plumbing lines last week.
The renovation schedule provides for work on and under the concrete flooring to be finished by the end of January, if everything goes as planned.
“So far nothing shocking has been discovered, just old building challenges,” Arentson said.
Expenses have also been under budget, about $10,000 under, he said.
Arentson was hired by the Historical Society through an agreement with the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership in Slayton. The construction manager is also with SWMHP.
The History Center is Arentson’s first under SWMHP’s integrated project development program.
Arentson said the Luverne project is progressing with local funding and with local contractors when possible.
“By and large, the local resources have been good to work with,” he said.
The Rock County Historical Society purchased the former Ford dealership building downtown after Herman Motor Company announced plans to relocate and expand on South Highway 75.
Renovations are expected to be complete this summer.