It’s still the most heavily utilized building owned by the City of Bridgeport. And it’s one again, one of the buildings seeing updates and renovations.

 

For the past week and for perhaps the next few weeks, work will continue to upgrade the foyer at the Benedum Civic Center. After what is believed to be more than 20 years with the same look, a change recently began to give it a new, fresh and more inviting look.

 

“We removed the wallpaper that was in place and there’s been various type of wall paper up for more than 30 years and this last batch that we removed was up for at least 20 years,” said Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton. “It was really outdated. Even though we never had a complaint, we knew just by its look and the fact that it was starting to peel that it was time to replace it.”

 

 

New wallpaper won’t be going up. Instead, P&R staff have been busy removing the old paper and prepped the wall for the new surface. Dry wall installation is under way and once that is complete, other finishing touches, including paint, will be done.

 

“If we just had our guys doing this project, we could probably do it in four or five days. Right now, though, we’ve got a lot of other projects indoors and outdoors that we’re doing around this and you don’t want to have that area congested with workers all day,” said Burton. “We try to do the work at times when we’re not anticipating a lot of traffic into the building.”

 

The warm weather has helped a bit as it has allowed, at times, for the front door to be open where the work is done. Most entrants into the Civic Center utilize the front door area that leads directly to the foyer.

 

“There’s been limited interruption to the traffic flow coming into the building,” said Burton. “So far no one has complained about the work. I think most people understand we’re trying to enhance the appearance of a building that is heavily used by the community.”

 

The enhancements have been full throttle during the last few years. New curtains throughout the building, four bathroom upgrades, new flooring in the auditorium and all-purpose room are among the bigger ticket items completed.

 

“We’ll also be putting in carpet and new flooring in the main office as well as the foyer,” said Burton.

 

Burton said that project will begin likely within the next couple of months with the goal of it being done by mid-spring. The work will be contracted out.

 

“We’re just trying to keep it up to date on this building. It’s a centerpiece of the Bridgeport community; a hub that so many people come to for some many different things,” said Burton. “We will always strive to keep it looking nice and this is the latest project to meet that goal.”

Editor's Note: Parks and Recreation Staff are shown handling work this past week at the Benedum Civic Center.