The Town of Clarkdale has released a frequently-asked questions page on the proposed reconstruction of the town bandstand.
The Clarkdale Town Council voted to replace the town’s historic bandstand with a newly-built replica rather than continue to repair the existing structure during its May 9 meeting. The vote was unanimous and was made on the basis of public safety and the difficulty of restoring the structure every few years. If salvageable, existing pieces of the historic bandstand will be incorporated into the new stand.
The FAQ page addresses common questions and concerns raised by the public According to the Town of Clarkdale website, the town plans to “sensitively rebuild the existing structure immediately.” It will be constructed of cedar to ensure its longevity.
The bandstand is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places; rather, it is a contributing structure to Clarkdale’s historic district.
The new structure will be Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, although a method for enabling ADA accessibility has not yet been selected. Council asked that additional research be performed and presented at a later date.
According to the town’s website, the bandstand was originally constructed in 1915 and later moved, facing east towards 10th St. It was improved in 1919.
A full renovation was completed in 2004, at which point the only remaining elements of the original structure were the roof and the posts, although several of the posts had water and termite damage. In 2011, another renovation occurred, leaving even less of the original structure.
The estimated cost to rehabilitate the bandstand would be $194,000, plus an additional $59,000 for an ADA ramp, exceeding the town’s budget for repairs by almost 30%. The cost of reproducing the structure would be approximately $145,000, plus the $59,000 for the ramp. The town’s website says that they do not need community donations and grants, as staff were aware of the work needed for the bandstand and budgeted accordingly.
The current plaque that explains the history of the bandstand will be redesigned to include the evolution of the structure, including its location change, rebuilds and the community’s commitment to the bandstand.
Discussion of the bandstand’s future began in October 2021 with a hearing by the Historic Preservation Committee on the initial rebuild proposal. In January 2022, the commission hired Otwell Associates Architects and Frost Engineering to assess the structure. William Otwell of Otwell Associates sent a letter to Ruth Mayday, Clarkdale’s community development director, on March 4, 2022, saying that the bandstand was suitable for repair and restoration.
The structural engineering report from Andy Kleiman of Frost Engineering stated that “overall, we feel the structural condition of the gazebo is above average, especially when considering its age.” Kleiman’s report added that if the town followed its recommendations for regular maintenance, the bandstand “will continue to function properly for many years.”
While both reports indicated that the structure was salvageable, neither provided an estimated cost for the recommended repairs and maintenance.
In October 2022, the town council approved renovation costs in an amount not to exceed $160,000.
On May 9, 2023, the council awarded a reconstruction contract for $155,874, with an additional $59,029 for an ADA-compliant solution.
The Concerts in the Park series will still take place, beginning at 7 p.m. on June 24. Rather than use the bandstand as a stage, the town will use a portable stage.
