Cleveland City School Board Considers Options For New Gym

  • Thursday, February 6, 2014
  • Tony Eubank
One of the preliminary plans for the gym
One of the preliminary plans for the gym
photo by Tony Eubank

The Cleveland City School Board on Thursday looked over a few basic plans for a gym to replace the now unusable Raider Dome.

Architect Brian Templeton from the Upland Design Group presented five cursory schematics for the proposed construction project.  Throughout the presentation the board brought up and discussed concerns over needed additions that include increased seating, classroom space, offices, training and locker rooms. 

The meeting was called after the Cleveland City Council requested some actual numbers so that the council can make a decision and get the project underway. As it stands the estimated cost of the project would land between $10 to $12 million. These estimates would cover the entire cost of the project and would include, among other items, the demolition of the Raider Dome, new construction and renovation, architectural and engineering fees, and fire marshal review fees.

Board member Steve Morgan asked architect Templeton if it would be possible to just build what they currently have in the dome. “Do we build more than we have or do we rebuild what is there?” he asked.

Board member Dawn Robinson reiterated Mr. Morgan’s concern saying that the City Council wants a bottom line on the low end of the cost spectrum.  Board member Peggy Pesterfield said, “They (City Council members) want something that’s going to serve the entire community.”

Cleveland High Principal Autumn O’Bryan said that while just rebuilding what was lost in the dome would work for now, it is not a long term solution, “We don’t have a lot of room for growth.” 

As it stands the school is short classroom space for wellness and physical education courses. The major debate lies in whether or not to expand the gymnasium or to simply rebuild what was lost with some updates to bring the structure up to current code standards.

Board member Dr. Murl Dirksen suggested that the council be given two or three options. In the end, the board asked architect Templeton to prepare for the City Council a bare minimum plan that would include 1,500 stadium seats and four classrooms and a second more ideal plan that would include more seating, classrooms, and spaces for auxiliary use.

Cleveland City School Board members, from left, George Meacham, Dr. Murl Dirksen, Dawn Robinson and Steve Morgan.
Cleveland City School Board members, from left, George Meacham, Dr. Murl Dirksen, Dawn Robinson and Steve Morgan.
photo by Tony Eubank
Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/28/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: ADERHOLT, FELICIA DAWN 1110 ST CLAIR ST DUNLAP, 37327 Age at Arrest: 37 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous ... more

Signal Mountain Must Determine How To Use Remainder Of ARPA Funds
  • 3/27/2024

The town of Signal Mountain has $358,637 remaining from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds it received and there must be a plan in place by the end of the year for how the money will be ... more

Chattanooga Man Gets 21-Year Sentence For Fentanyl Death Of 19-Year-Old
Chattanooga Man Gets 21-Year Sentence For Fentanyl Death Of 19-Year-Old
  • 3/27/2024

A 25-year-old Chattanooga man, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for supplying drugs that led to the death of 19-year-old Charlotte Gallant. Jonathan Bash appeared before Judge Curtis ... more