A long time coming

Myszak and Partners, Vincennes, was first brought on board to begin a design of the space in 2015, partner Andy Myszak reminded board members during the meeting.

Wolfe Construction was hired to turn that design into reality in 2019 — the doors opening to the public in late 2020 — but only this week were the final claims paid out, the final punch list officially done.

“It’s been a fantastic project,” Myszak told the group as they took a few minutes to reflect. “You can see what is happening in the community, what is available now.

“We’ve been at it a long time, jumped over a lot of hurdles, but it was well worth it. We are very proud of this project,” he said.

Board member Don Villwock said even brand new construction “on a flat piece of land” brings about challenges, but few could predict the obstacles that came with transforming the historic theater into a modern hub for a brand new entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“To start with what we had, be able to have what we have now, it’s amazing in my mind,” he said. “Andy (Myszak) could see this, envision what it could be, along with the others at this table today.

“It’s quite an accomplishment for all.”

Commissioner Trent Hinkle agreed.

“To see what this building has morphed into, the offerings that have sprung forth, they’re ones that didn’t exist before, and it’s just mind-blowing.

“So, kudos to everyone for their part, whether large or small,” he said.

The final claims associated with Phase I of the project were $2,885 to Wolfe Construction and another $5,400 to Myszak and Partners.

Myszak on Tuesday said the balance remaining in the Phase I fund is $1,215.

Phase II, which includes a near $1 million exterior restoration, is being paid for, in large part, by a federal grant from the Economic Development Administration.

Completion has been delayed a handful of times, not the least of which was the arrival and installation of a new historic-inspired lighted marquee for the front of the building, but Myszak reported on Tuesday that Wolfe Construction is doing the final punch list associated with it as well.

They expect Phase II to be complete by the end of May, per grant guidelines.

Included in Phase II has been several new windows on the building’s second floor, a restoration of the storefront windows on its Fifth Street corner as well as new exterior doors and tuck-pointing to about 90% of the its brick exterior.

The grant also paid for the restoration of some of architectural terra cotta details on the building’s facade as well as new gutters and downspouts.

Some interior improvements were included, too, things like acoustic paneling in the balcony to improve sound quality, which have already been installed, as well as audio visual equipment, too.

City and county elected officials now jointly own the building, leasing it back to the Pantheon’s operational board.

They also split the cost of the interior transformation of the co-working space, which now boasts more than 65 members and has direct ties to Purdue University, all with an eye on providing a system of support for small business initiatives, bolstering the ag community and aiding the efforts of burgeoning entrepreneurs.