GENEVA — The city’s summer concert series at Lakefront Park may need to find a temporary location, as construction of a new bandshell-style structure to replace the former gazebo has hit a snag.
However, city officials are hopeful construction will pick up again later this week.
Geneva Community Projects is funding the new shell in partnership with the city, Department of Public Works Director Joe Venuti said.
“The structure will incorporate elements of concrete, powder-coated tube steel and engineered wood timber, (and is) designed to create a functional outdoor space that will be inviting and beautiful for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come,” he said Monday. “As is with most construction projects, not everything goes according to plan. Park users are aware that our shoreline experienced an incredible amount of erosion and sustained damages from extreme weather events in March and April. Many areas have not been restored or reconstructed, including directly adjacent to and just behind the proposed structure.”
Venuti said the project, which is being built by Empire Shed Sales of Milo, Yates County, has also experienced a shipping delay in building materials. However, that is not the only construction issue, he added.
“In mid-June, we learned that several anchoring points (in the base structure) slightly shifted alignment during the concrete column pours, causing a minor setback that is being resolved,” Venuti said. “Design engineers have drafted a solution that has been reviewed and approved, and we expect progress to resume this coming week.”
Belinda Venuti, who heads Geneva Community Projects, remains optimistic despite the construction challenges.
“While we are disappointed by the recent setback, the project must be completed with safety as our top priority,” she said. “The city has contingency plans in place for all scheduled events to ensure they proceed as planned. We remain confident that the structure will be a success once finished, and we ask for everyone’s patience as we work toward completion.”
Joe Venuti echoed her sentiments.
“All stakeholders are mindful of planned and coordinated events at the lakefront; however, public safety and integrity of the construction build is top priority,” he said. “City staff are working with all event teams on various options for alternate staging and performances should additional delays require it, and we are confident that all shows will go on without too much interruption.”
In 2008, Geneva Community Projects raised $18,000 to build a lakefront gazebo. The aging structure was razed last fall. GCP board members raised $30,000 to rebuild the site in combination with city funding, and construction started in spring.
“We appreciate everyone’s interest and patience in the project that would not have been possible without the generous support from the board and members of the GCP and DPW staff that has been working through the challenges,” Joe Venuti said.
The first show in the Lakefront Concert Series, set for July 1, features popular modern country, alt rock, and Americana performer Nate Michaels. His performance, like all in the series, runs from 6-8 p.m.
The concert series runs each Wednesday through Sept. 2, with The Cool Club & The Lipker Sisters scheduled for a special Sept. 6 show to end the season.