Eagles Theatre nearing first phase completion

By Andrew Christman | Wabash Plain Dealer

The first phase of renovations on the Eagles Theatre are coming to a close, with the anticipated deadline coming up in October.

Tina Henderson of Mendenhall and Associates updated the Wabash City Council last week regarding the first phase, saying windows are expected to be installed within the next several weeks. Sidewalks around the theater are anticipated to be completed by the end of September, and roofers are expected by October.

To complete the theater’s facade, Henderson said they are having to wait on final elevations of stairs for the inside of the building. The interior storefront will be completed once the elevations are done as well.

Other major interior work with phase one includes cutting space in the floors for new elevator shafts and restoration work on the fourth floor.

First phase renovations have largely consisted of exterior work, including an addition between the Eagles and the Frontier building to add emergency exit stairs and restrooms for each floor, Honeywell Foundation Vice President and CFO Kyle Dubois said.

Aspects of the project have been pushed into the second phase, such as repairing the ceiling on the fourth floor.

“It’s going to take them a little longer on the ceiling,” Henderson explained. “They’re looking on the plaster on the fourth floor being pushed into the second phase.”

Dubois said the second phase will consist largely of interior finish work and will include projects such as plumbing, fire protection, carpentry and masonry work, painting, electrical work and, finally, establishing the new marquee.

According to Henderson, renovations of the building are on schedule. While the first phase is expected to be completed by the end of October, there is a chance an extension may be needed. The absolute deadline for the first phase will be the end of the year.