Convention Hall Construction Enters Final Phase

CAPE MAY – The interior of the city’s new Convention Hall is beginning to look like a functioning performing arts/community center as construction enters its final month.
Work is continuing on the Promenade with much of the concrete poured for a ramp at the front of the building as well as the walkway across the face of the building, according to City Manager Bruce MacLeod.
Restoration of the seawall in front of Convention Hall should be completed by the end of the week. The seawall was breached to allow delivery of materials and equipment to the site.
MacLeod said it is expected work along the Promenade would be completed by the third week of April.
Inside Convention Hall, installation of acoustic panels in the auditorium is continuing. Cabinets are being installed in the administrative office and in the lobby.
“Painting and finish coats are about 75 percent completed,” said MacLeod.
He said ceramic tile in the Solarium section of the building should be completed by the end of the week.
Wood flooring will be installed after Easter, after all aspects of the auditorium are completed, to prevent damage by construction lifts or an accidental drop of a heavy object, said MacLeod. Finish work is continuing on ceiling tiles.
Doors will be installed next week at the main entrances to the main hall, he said.
Restrooms are nearly completed with sinks, toilets, tile, light fixtures and paint in place, said MacLeod.
Some window glazing remains to be completed on the hall’s exterior as well as some decorative window pieces and door.
The exterior insulation-finish system is 98 percent complete. Roof panels are in place, said MacLeod.
Wooden boardwalks that surround two sides and the back of Convention Hall are complete other than installation of railings.
MacLeod said in the next two weeks, the heating-air conditioning system would be turned on and tested. He said Comcast has delivered fiber optic service to the building and will be installing wiring over the next few weeks for the telecommunications, audio-visual and security systems.
At the beginning of May, the city expects delivery of kitchen equipment, chair riser system for the auditorium, other furniture and installation of solar panels on the roof.
Mayor Edward J. Mahaney Jr. said power was turned on inside Convention Hall, Tue., April 3.