Shaping up the square

The project to create Sundance Square park adjacent to the building began to take shape this week, however, as contractors Ainsworth Benning moved in to begin the dirt work. However, Old Stoney itself is still waiting for that long-anticipated moment when the doors can be flung open to reveal the cultural treasures inside.

Following an inspection last week, the state fire marshal’s office was unfortunately not able to grant an occupancy certificate.

The certificate must be obtained before the final step is taken: to move all the occupants into the historic building. Old Stoney currently stands empty, the refurbishment itself almost complete but without the presence of museum exhibits, office supplies and gallery offerings that will one day call it home.

Last week’s inspection was to test the efficiency of the upgraded fire suppression system, which had previously been found to not meet the needs of the building. To address this, the City of Sundance extended a water line from Main Street to the building – a project that was already in the cards for when Sundance Square began to take shape, but was moved up on the city’s agenda.

According to Museum Director Rocky Courchaine, the inspection found that another valve is required on that water line, outside the building. He is hopeful that this will not cause too much of a delay.

The expectation is that the valve will be installed this week, according to Courchaine.

“Hopefully, they can do the pressure test the following week and give us out certificate of occupancy,” he says.