Renovation work at The Strand Theater building is making steady progress, though crews continue to encounter unique structural quirks from the 1920s building.
During a recap of the Aug. 4 Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Tim Kyle shared that mechanical, HVAC, and sprinkler system inspections are complete, and workers have begun hanging sheetrock. However, recent work revealed structural steel ceiling beams that do not align squarely with the window frames. Crews are furring down those sections to ensure a level, smooth ceiling.
In addition, work on the adjacent Star-Herald building, which will house restrooms and a warming kitchen, requires brick restoration along the back parapet wall. Demolition of old metal wall caps revealed deteriorating 100-year-old lime mortar beneath the existing TPO roofing lining. The city approved a change order to relay several courses of brick before installing new metal caps.
Outside, crews have removed the platform and trestles where the old caboose used to sit behind the facility to prepare for a concrete slab, which will support a second-story emergency exit balcony coming off the main building.
Construction on the Strand renovation is expected to continue through late summer or early fall.
Once completed, the historic venue will be the home of the Mississippi Museum of the American Indian and Event Center.
