WARREN Music hall renovations approved by trustees

Trustees reviewed drawings for expansion of the band shell.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Packard Park trustees are moving ahead with music hall renovations estimated at about $97,500.
The panel voted Wednesday to approve renovating the board room into a band library and converting old offices into a board room. Renovations include refurbishing the wooden floor in the old board room, new cabinet work, furniture and adding air conditioning to both rooms.
"The only room with air conditioning is the auditorium in this building," said trustee Linda Metzendorf.
Board members also reviewed drawings and a model of a proposed expansion of the band shell but opted to have Jim Olsavsky of Olsavsky Jaminet Architects, which has offices in Youngstown and Niles, make some changes.
The shell was built a few years ago but doesn't provide shelter for the full band. Some musicians aren't shielded from the elements by the roof.
Estimated construction cost prepared by Olsavsky was $69,400, but board members wanted some changes including lengthening walls along the side of the shell.
The renovations are the latest in a series of changes at the music hall.
What's been done
The hall added a box office for in-house professional ticketing services. A foundation is also being established to help raise money, and marketing and advertising are being stepped up.
Earlier this year, the hall expanded its concession offerings through a food service license and obtained a liquor license.
The city has decreased its music hall subsidy in recent years and last year charged Packard officials to come up with a way to be self-sufficient.
A state performance audit released earlier this year began in 2000 before intensive planning began at the hall. It makes suggestions similar to efforts already under way.
One suggestion is that the music hall is understaffed and should use part-timers and volunteers.