The Civic Centre’s main above grade structure is comprised of the roof trusses over the Great Hall and the building’s main floor columns, beams and floor joists. Historical records indicate that the size of the building was actually determined by the size of the 1911 lumber mill. This excerpt from the Golden & District Museum archives explains the rationale and process:
“It was the roof trusses and floor joists from the old mill that determined the size of the new Centre as they didn’t want to cut them.”
In order to preserve and expose the historic timbers to the public, a number of existing building elements must be restored. The existing building envelope, which provides the protection from the elements is in need of repair. The existing roof membrane, facia, soffits and exterior wall finish system have deteriorated from exposure to the elements and must be replaced to prevent further deterioration of the structure.
To expose the trusses to audiences, the current plane of insulation must be moved from beneath the trusses to rest on top of the roof deck. There is currently no vapour barrier included in the roof assembly and so, as part of the envelope upgrading, a proper vapour barrier will be installed together with new rigid insulation to rest on top of the trusses increasing the R value of the roof assembly. A new roof membrane will be installed above the roof assembly.
A building sprinkler system must be installed in order to expose the trusses, beams, columns and floor joists. The existing exterior wall envelope is also in a state of disrepair from exposure to the elements so the project includes provision to replace the original building’s dilapidated siding and add an air barrier. To complete the project for occupancy the currently unfinished trusses, floor system and underside of the roof will require a clear coat finish. The main floor will also require a new floor finish once re-construction is complete. Due to the age of the building, an amount for general renovations has been included to accommodate repair to the trusses, roof, floor and walls as the elements are stripped back and inspected for deterioration – which is not evident at present.
At the completion of the project, the trusses and floor system will have been exposed to view and will be contained in a properly sealed and insulated building envelop which will preserve their state for future generations. The expected life span of the renovated building is a minimum of 50 years at which time selective upgrading may be required to re-new its life cycle. The work which may be required at this time would be substantially less then what is currently required.
In addition, considerable functional and aesthetic enhancements will be made to stage and backstage areas. A backstage addition will incorporate efficient load-in and out, production storage, a stage cross-over, access to lower floor green room and dressing rooms/washrooms, grand piano storage. With the removal of the existing hall ceiling, theatrical lights can be raised higher, become more effective and connect to a cat walk for ease of operation.
On the lower floor, along with the aforementioned green room, dressing rooms and washrooms there will be a dedicated workshop space for machine work.
At stage level, a new timber frame proscenium arch will be constructed to merge and entwine with the historical beams underscoring Golden’s past and present involvement in the forest industries. In the tradition of 19th and 20th century concert halls, the proscenium wall will depict a floor to ceiling mural, a montage of images that tell the stories of Golden’s pioneer past and the origins of the 1911 post and beams.
The sensitive marriage of Golden’s historic past with its new mandate of smart growth and resource utilization, as embodied in the Town’s recent Official Community Plan, will help communicate the sustainable ethos and optimism the community holds for its future.
