From the zoo's Facebook:
DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo is pleased to announce that a major revitalization of the zoo’s historic bluestone pavilion is underway.
The 70+ year-old open-air structure was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Generations of Northlanders have enjoyed using it for picnics, school programs, and family gatherings. In the recent past the building has been unusable due to disrepair and safety concerns.
Lake Superior Zoo CEO Sam Maida is looking forward to the renovations.
“There’s a lot of history and memories at the zoo and we want to make sure we’re doing all we can to preserve that,” said Maida. “With the pavilion’s renovation we are preserving our past and renewing community connections…making memories.”
The scope of the $475,000 project includes:
• Tuck pointing of the bluestone walls and foundation.
• Removal and replacement of the pavilion’s roof and supporting structure, including beams and trusses.
• Installation of windows and doors
• Construction of amenities such as restrooms, a prep room, storage area, and mechanical room.
The project is expected to be completed by late fall. Kraus-Anderson Construction has been awarded the contract. Architectural Resources, Incorporated is the architectural firm for the project.
“The zoo means a lot of things to a lot of people and it has been an important part of the region for ninety years,” said Greg Wegler, Vice President of Business Development at Kraus-Anderson Construction. “We are proud to be a part of this project and look forward to all that it means for the zoo and the community.”
The revitalized pavilion will include a three season multi-use facility with 1551 square feet of space that will be used for educational programming, the gathering of large group, picnics, special events and shelter from the weather. The zoo expects to be able to accommodate groups up to 200 for classroom style seating and tabled/banquet seating for approximately 100 guests.
The project was funded by a variety of sources, including the Minnesota Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment; Donald Weesner Foundation; private donations and Society funds.
The pavilion renovation project, which was announced with a capital campaign launched in June, 2012, had been delayed because of higher than anticipated bids and the physical and financial impact of the June 2012 flood.
Community members, groups and businesses can still be a part of this wonderful restoration project by donating to this project which represents the fine craftsmanship and manual labor of people in the 1930s building something lasting for the people then, now and the future. Anyone interested in learning more can contact Sam Maida at (218) 730-4500, extension 203.
— at Lake Superior Zoo.