JACKSON, Mich. — Construction on the new American 1 Event Center at Keeley Park (formerly known as the Fairgrounds) will begin to take shape above ground beginning May 7 as prefabricated concrete walls begin to be delivered. Delivery of 90 wall panels, which will be set in place by a large crane, is scheduled to take place over a period of several days. “This marks the beginning of the most visible phase of the construction project. It’s going to feel like a box is rising up out of the ground,” is how the next phase of construction was described by Jeff Hovarter, Jackson County Parks Director.
Construction on the new American 1 Event Center began during the winter months. The site preparation phase which included the installation of a modern water management system, underground electrical work, sanitation systems to support fair vendors, and changes in site elevation is nearing completion. After placement of the wall panels, interior work will commence and continue for nearly 10 months until the facility is open for business which is slated for Spring of 2020.
The construction project is the result of a Public-Private Partnership Agreement between American 1 Credit Union and Jackson County, Michigan. American 1 first announced its intention to contribute to the project in November of 2016. “We’ve watched as dirt has moved and workers have been busy on site. Things were obviously happening but the work has been mostly underground. Watching the walls go up will solidify the reality of the new American 1 Event Center. It will be exciting to watch the building rapidly begin to take shape.” expressed Martha Fuerstenau, American 1 Credit Union’s President/CEO.
James (Steve) Shotwell, Chairman of the Jackson County Commission, stated, “During June and July, while construction continues on the American 1 Event Center, citizens will be able to see what looks like a mud pit today, converted into parking spaces, landscaped islands, and walkways ready for the Fair in August. The fact that our grandstand was so well built and is in solid condition today, is something we can thank our predecessors for. All that is happening in this space is part of a County Master Plan which includes changing the space into a year-round, multi-faceted park that hosts our County Fair. I believe that Jackson County citizens in the future will be grateful for our thorough planning and determination to construct facilities that will remain beautiful and functional for generations.”
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