New renovation plan proposed for War Memorial Stadium
GREENSBORO — The city’s War Memorial Stadium may soon get a long-awaited face-lift.
But under current budget restrictions, much of the historic structure would have to be demolished.
After failing to find any other resources to help refurbish the 84-year-old stadium, the city staff is recommending that $1.3 million in previously approved funds be used to do as much restoration as possible right now.
The current plan would save the unique arched entryway to the stadium, but much of the rest of the building would be knocked down, including the seating inside. The plan likely wouldn’t include updates like new locker rooms and concession stands.
On Wednesday night, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted to ask the City Council to start the project, as a way to get something done at the stadium.
Meanwhile, historic preservationists are researching possible alternate fundraising to save more of the historic structure.
City leaders have gone back and forth for years considering options for restoring the 1926 stadium.
After voters turned down a request to fund a $5.5 million renovation in 2006 , the City Council approved $1.5 million in bonds to do some work on the stadium.
Since then, city staff has proposed everything from small-scale renovations that would simply put off the building’s deterioration to a $3.7 million re-imagining of the site as an outdoor marketplace.
Each plan fell by the wayside, either because the funds were insufficient or because council members could not come to an agreement.
Now the city staff is recommending the least expensive renovation option.
“If you don’t do something with it, those funds could be used elsewhere,” Parks and Recreation Director Gregory Jackson told park commission members Wednesday .
Under this option, thousands of stadium seats will be replaced by 500 bleacher seats. Much of the unique shape of the stadium and the large canopy would be demolished, without immediate plans to replace it.
Parks and Recreation Commission members agreed to the recommended plan, even asking the staff to reduce landscaping in favor of spending more money on the stadium itself.
“At least this is a start and something that will stabilize it,” commission member Marc Bush said of the deteriorating stadium.
Other amenities, like built-in concession stands, could be added later, said John Hughes , parks and recreation department programs and special services manager.
The issue will soon be scheduled to come before the City Council for approval. In the meantime, the city staff and other groups will explore alternative ways to pay for restoring more of the historic structure or adding other amenities.
Jackson said the city staff has talked with N.C. A&T officials about helping fund concession stands or locker rooms.
The university and Greensboro College host their home baseball games at the stadium.
Contact Amanda Lehmert at 373-7075 or amanda.lehmert@news-record.com
Accompanying Photos
Photo Caption: War Memorial Stadium
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