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Riverside Arts Center, Winter, 2006, Newsletter

Renovation continues in DTE building next door to RAC

Either the Old Detroit Edison office building is haunted or there’s the ghost of a departed dancer eagerly awaiting the completion of the space where a rabbit-warren of offices once filled up the entire second floor. Today, the floor is opened to a vast space and light flows in as contractors complete the installation of new bathrooms and storage rooms. A second floor bathroom has been installed and there’s even what could soon be used as a changing room. “Ghost” dancers are awaiting the room’s opening.

More bathrooms have been remodeled on the main floor of what has lately been called “the RAC Annex.”

Air conditioning, lighting, and new doors are all in place; Facilities chair LaRue says the next step toward occupying this newly rehabilitated space is a “painting party” for volunteers.

Cool Cities grant sprints to completion with only a ‘punch list’ left to do
RAC Facilities Chair Barry LaRue has acted as project coordinator for the renovation of the recently acquired DTE building immediately south of the Arts Center. LaRue reports all work progressing on schedule for spending the $100,000 Michigan Cool Cities grant. “The dollars are almost exactly on the mark,” LaRue notes.

First floor improvements came first, with painting still to be done by volunteers. This summer’s work included installation of heat and air conditioning, additional handicap accessible restrooms and floor refinishing.

Second floor progress will be seen after the installation of the elevator tower that will connect DTE with the RAC facility.

Projects has its ups and downs
The $340,000 + MEDC grant for the elevator/entry has cleared the Historic District Commission’s hurdles but has provided daunting challenges to the architects. Architect Anita Towes has reported workers taking home extra sheets of drawing paper as they ponder the intricacies of limited space for the elevator/stair tower/exit that will soon connect the Arts Center with the DTE building. Their task is to connect three levels on one side and four on the other, and still leave space for a stairway, landings, and fire passages and exits to the street.

“These projects will allow us to expand our offerings by creating exciting new spaces!” says RAC’s Facilities Coordinator.