It’s starting to become more clear exactly how the PMD Arena expansion will look.
Last week Chris Lahn, of Tacoma Engineers, presented Mapleton councillors with several drawings of the proposed addition, all of which incorporated the pitched roof design previously requested by council.
“If anything, the budget should be less than the original budget,” Lahn said of making the switch to a pitched roof.
Lahn told council the pitched roof does not change the interior design too much, but it could change the entrance to the building.
He offered council two choices for entrances, but he explained the pitched roof requires steel beams and pillars, one of which would be located right near the front door if council chose a corner entrance.
So he suggested locating the entrance at the side of the addition, which would also facilitate a larger lobby area for gathering and to house vending machines.
Councillor Jim Curry asked if the drive through area outside the current arena would be eliminated. When Lahn replied yes, Curry expressed concern that caterers use that spot frequently because it is the shortest route to the banquet room, and because the canopy provides cover for unloading vehicles.
Public Works Director Larry Lynch said the idea is to retain the canopy and the asphalt up to the existing door so caterers can continue to use the entrance, but from that point onward there will be no vehicles.
Curry then asked if the addition will have a “double door” system to mitigate weather conditions, and if automatic sliding doors would be installed. Lahn said yes, the addition could have a vestibule, and while sliding doors would be more expensive, they are common on most new arenas and are a possibility for the addition.
Other councillors commented that the doors did not have to be “sliders,” as long as they were automatic to ensure the building meets accessibility requirements.
And Mayor John Green said the doors likely can not have an automatic sensor indoors because it could be triggered by kids playing in the lobby or any other movement inside.
But Curry continued to push for the sliding doors, saying they make it easier for people coming in and out of the building and they also take up less room.
Lynch suggested council proceed with the building type and work out details about the door style later. He said it would be beneficial to look at the doors at the Fergus arena to see what was done there.
“Good idea,” Green replied, before thanking Lahn for his diligence and effort on the drawings.
Council unanimously passed a resolution approving the building design with the entrance on the side, including a vestibule.
