Libby Lofts finds home for bandshell

Libby Lofts is rounding the bend in the last few hurdles - moving its bandshell, preparing for asbestos abatement, and holding a meeting at 12 p.m. today for interested electrical contractors in the Libby Lofts building, at 111 E. Lincoln Blvd.

“We donated the gazebo to the county through Rita Windom, and we will assist with having it moved to J. Neils Memorial County Park where it will be the center of a new music venue for future concerts,” said Scott Curry of TLC Engineering.

Windom, who retires this year after 12 years as county commissioner, said Lincoln County Parks and Recreations' only cost will be the concrete foundation to be poured, which is already in their funds.

“It's historically been a place of music and dancing, so it just seems appropriate for us to continue that use,” said Windham, noting its role during the Nordicfest.

“I'm just absolutely delighted,” she said, adding it would be impossible to name all the businesses and organizations that were involved with the bandshell over the years.

“It's probably going to be a month before we can move it,” she said, adding it will be have to be eletrically wired for concert music. “We should have it up and running by the first of May.”

Curry said a few people contacted them about the structure located in the backyard of the lofts, adding they donated it based on how many people would be able to enjoy the space, as well as who had the best resources to coordinate moving it.

“We're going to help it to remain public property for all to enjoy with the help of Rita,” said Curry, adding the Boy Scouts will also be helping with the transport, with a boy working on his Eagle badge to coordinate the project.

Inside the lofts, construction workers are about two weeks into selected demolition, or about 50 percent complete.

“We have completed our asbestos abatement plan and acquired a building permit,” said Curry. “We'll start asbestos abatement by the end of the month, completed by end of April.

Curry added they plan to begin framing the third floor walls of the residential condos in mid-April.

Heating, plumbing and electrical will be installed in May.

Interested framing and brick masonry contractors should contact Curry at TLC engineering at 293-5950. Curry said he is also interested in purchasing used brick.

“So far we are at or ahead of schedule,” he said. “Things are going along as well or better than expected at this point, and persons interested in purchasing a unit should see us - they're going fast.”

Four of the nine residential units are spoken for, but those available can be viewed at Libby lofts' Web site at www.libbylofts.com .

Coming up, TLC , Tungstun Holdings, Libby Lofts, and the city of Libby also plan to design the first two blocks of streetscape - a sidewalk and lighting job to complete the exterior and blend the revitalization of Libby's downtown.

The streetscape will include site work as well as remodeling three sides of a whole city block, which includes the 8th Street side, E. Lincoln Boulevard and Mineral Avenue.

“We'll be looking for ideas to design the sidewalks,” said Curry. “Anything anyone can do to help the snow melt faster will also help.”