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WARREN -- Mollenkopf Stadium at Warren G. Harding High School is undergoing several renovations, with phase one completed and phase two addressing structural and aesthetic improvements, according to John Lacy, director of business operations for the Warren City School District.
Phase one, executed by Quality Masonry Company of Marion for $473,500, addressed water infiltration issues in the home stands. The process involved removing aluminum seating, pressure washing the concrete and waterproofing.
"It went very, very well," Lacy said, showcasing the revitalized bleachers at Tuesday's Warren City School Board meeting.
The company, which submitted the lowest bid, delivered high-quality work, leaving the stands dry and structurally sound.
"When you walk on this, it's amazing," Lacy said.
Phase two, now underway, focuses on modernizing the stadium's underside. Crews are repairing water damaged structural elements, pouring new concrete for the concourse -- already halfway complete with rebar set -- and installing an epoxy floor in the restrooms, which Lacy described as "100% better" after steam cleaning.
The concourse is being adjusted with a ramp and steps to prevent water settling, which addresses previous drainage issues.
The gridiron concession stand also is receiving new countertops, cabinets and paint, while the press box will see restored siding to match the home stands, a new bathroom, and a kitchenette with a sink and countertop for potential entertainment use. "Maintaining and upgrading the existing press box saved us a couple hundred thousand dollars," Lacy said.
Superintendent Steve Chiaro said the stadium's renovation, overdue by a decade, was critical despite the structure remaining sound.
"This should put the home side stand in good shape for another decade," he said, crediting engineers' evaluations and a robust gutter system to manage water flow. The concourse will transition from blacktop to six-inch concrete to support heavier equipment, which was a recommendation from the architects.
The final phase, set to begin with work from Phillips / Sekanick Architects for $354,700 after the football season in mid-November, will be rebuilding the visitor stands.
Lacy said the project will incorporate a new storage building with ticket booth access and remove existing sheds and ticket booths.
Lacy aims to start demolition the day after the last home game, acknowledging the tight timeline to complete the project by next season.
"We're hustling," he said.
Chiaro also discussed other district projects, including a transportation tank remediation at the bus garage near Pine Avenue, phone system conversions across the district and a buildout for the Mercy Physicians Group with DeSalvo Construction inside the Wellness Center.
Despite a challenging summer, Chiaro said the district is ahead of schedule, with cleaning and landscaping strategically managed to prepare for the school year.
The Mollenkopf Stadium upgrades are expected to be completed by Aug. 13, ensuring readiness for the fall football season.