HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-24-09 Discovery prompts emergency repairs at Island ParkOffice of the Mayor
NEWS RELEASE
July 24, 2009
2 p.m.
Discovery prompts emergency repairs at Island Park
Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564
or Gary Gilot, Director of Public Works, 235-9251
Renovation of Century Center's Island Park has taken a detour after crews discovered
cavities in the island's subsoil, prompting the facility's Board of Managers to seek help
for emergency repairs from the Redevelopment Commission.
After beginning renovation work in June, contractor Gibson-Lewis Inc. noticed evidence
that soil in the southern portion of the island had begun to subside. A subsequent
investigation by engineers from Lawson-Fisher Associates and Earth Exploration Co.
revealed significant voids beneath a C-shaped section of the island's surface concrete, in
total as large as an automobile.
In addition to supporting the island, the southern end also bolsters the dam spillway,
noted Lawson-Fisher, which has guided the City through several projects to stabilize,
restore and improve the South Bend Dam.
The voids were not in danger of collapsing, but consisted of loose materials and debris -
some dating back to the 19~' century -that were settling and would have led to cracks in
new amenities if not repaired, said Gary Gilot, president of the Board of Public Works.
The Board of Public Works authorized the investigation and serves as agent for the
Century Center Board of Managers.
Because the Century Center Board of Managers lacks sufficient resources in its bond
funds for the work, the Redevelopment Commission today authorized the appropriation
of up to $100,000 in tax increment financing revenue from the Central Development Area
TIF to pay for the emergency repairs. The amount includes a contingency.
The work will include removal of 5 feet of sand to fully reveal the material beneath,
which will be compacted and stabilized by the injection of cement grout. The initial
phase will focus on three areas: a 5-foot wide by 80-foot long section along the river, a
70-foot section along the dam, and a 40-foot section along the race.
"Much will be learned during the first-phase excavations to guide the necessary minimum
depth of grouting, and to direct additional excavation and grouting in the southernmost 80
feet of the island," said City Engineer Carl Littrell.
Once the ground is exposed, crews will inject a 15-foot-deep section with grout as well as
increase the density of loose soil and debris to add strength. Finally, they will restore a 5-
foot cover of sand before resuming planned renovation work to the island. The work will
be completed by Gibson-Lewis along with the Northern Indiana Construction Co.
The work is expected to begin Tuesday, July 28 and be completed in about two weeks,
without significantly impacting the completion of the overall island renovations. Yet the
final "Meet Me on the Island" event on Aug. 7 will proceed inside as renovations
continue toward an early September completion date.
The island at Century Center is aman-made feature, formed as construction on the dam
was begun just before the Civil War. Originally the site of small workshops that used
impounded water to drive machinery for industrial production, the island later was used
by South Bend Water Works to pump artesian water to pressurize the water distribution
system. After the turn of the century, J.D. Oliver built an electric generating plant on the
island. The Water Works and power plant facilities were removed to make way for Island
Park.
Designed by noted architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, Century Center opened
Nov. 1, 1977, as South Bend's civic and convention center. Nearly 150,000 people visit
annually in more than 500 events, including 21 conventions and trade shows.
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