PACKARD Music hall rooms to be dressed up

The four dressing rooms are expected to have face lifts in the fall.
WARREN -- Packard Park Board of Trustees has plans in hand for the layout of new dressing rooms at Packard Music Hall.
Christopher Stephenson, hall manager, said the four dressing rooms -- two for stars and two for groups -- need very little structural work. "There will be no real footprint changes from the original," he said.
The renovations were reviewed by the board last week.
These would involve renewed finishes, new tile and carpet, window and counter replacements, handicapped accessibility, introduction of air conditioning and other changes.
One structural change Stephenson mentioned would improve handicapped accessibility under federal law: "There will be a little bit: knocking the wall out and extending it a few feet so a wheelchair can get in," he said.
Funding
These renovations are funded with $100,000 from Ohio's capital budget secured by state Rep. Randy Law of Warren, R-64th.
A firm start date for the renovations isn't set, but Stephenson hopes renovations can begin early this fall. "We hope to start early September and hopefully be done in seven weeks," he said.
Meanwhile, an architect and theater consultant have identified about $9 million worth of work needed for the hall, Stephenson said. The mechanical and building systems are originals from 1955.
Packard Music Hall is in line to receive an additional $2 million from the federal government, part of a $284 billion, six-year highway and transit bill that has passed the House.
Stephenson said the park board will prioritize what renovation is needed.
The trustees will meet again at 8:30 a.m. June 17.