Upgrades to the Heritage Ranch visitors centre are on budget and on schedule.
The $1-million renovation will transform the facility, with the bulk of the work to include significant upgrades to the kitchen.
Curtis Martinek, City of Red Deer project specialist, said the goal of these renovations is to make the facility more financially sustainable.
“The operator out there relies on the cafeteria area for a lot of their revenue,” said Martinek. “This is hopefully going to improve their ability to be more financially sustainable.”
Work began on the renovations on Jan. 14 and is scheduled to be completed by May 31.
“It’s probably two-thirds of the building will look refreshed,” said Martinek.
The upgrades to the kitchen will transform it from a residential style to a commercial level kitchen and add 35-square-metres to the existing cooking area. There will also be new washroom facilities and a new entrance.
The upgrades will tie the ranch and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame onto city services. Previously, they were on their own septic and water well services, but now they will be attached to the city services, saving them some money.
“We’re in the finishing stage right now,” said Martinek. “Paint, flooring and new kitchen equipment is coming in.”
Martinek said the building is 30 years old and in need of an facelift.
When the project went to tender, they had to cut back some of the work they wanted to do, including upgrading the dining room. Shunda Consulting and Construction Management Ltd. was awarded the $1-million contract.
Though the visitors centre is closed during this project the trails are open. As is the hay bale maze that opened on April 23.
The project should be completed by May 31, with the renovated centre opening on June 1.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com