Convention Hall Stage Lights, Sound, Kitchen Designers Approved

CAPE MAY — City Council amended its agreement June 3 with Kimmel Bogrette, which are designing Cape May’s new Convention Hall, to hire designers and engineers for the building’s stage lights, sound system and catering kitchen.
Kimmel Bogrette will enter in subcontracts with the following firms:
• Acentech: acoustical engineering, voice amplification and audio/visual engineering, fixed fee of $23,500.
• Theater light design: Electronic Diversified, fixed fee of $8,500.
• Catering kitchen design: Kelly Products, fixed fee of $3,000.
According to its Web site, Acentech created audio designs for Boston Symphony Hall, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl, Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Cirque du Soleil and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Fla.
Electronics Diversified Inc. (EDI) has been a leading innovator in technology for the theatrical and architectural lighting controls industry. EDI was the first to design and manufacture reliable solid-state touring dimmers.
EDI pioneered, designed and manufactured the first electronics dimmers and memory control used on Broadway, according to its Web site.
One year ago, City Council unanimously approved a $10.5 million bond to pay for the construction of a new Convention Hall.
The enabling ordinance estimates the total cost of a new Convention Hall at $11.6 million including $1.1 million from an ordinance adopted by council Dec. 18, 2007.
In January, council approved Tuesday three engineering firms to proceed with plans and designs for a new hall.
Fralinger Engineering, of Bridgeton, will handle civil engineering, Klein and Hoffman, of Philadelphia will handle structural engineering and mechanical engineering including electrical and plumbing will be designed by Gillian and Hartmann, of Valley Forge, Pa.
The contracts with the three engineers total $201,150.
In a best case scenario, construction of the new hall could begin in October with a completion date in late 2010, Mayor Edward J. Mahaney Jr. told the Herald last month.