|
Cain Park, located at Lee and Superior Roads, was
established in 1915. It is a 22-acre outdoor park. The park had a
natural ravine that was a perfect place for an amphitheater with
surrounding picnic areas. In 1934, it was named Cain Park after Mayor Frank
C. Cain. The Evans Amphitheater and Colonnade were completed in
1938. The Amphitheater houses a stage and a sheltered area with
seating for approximately 2000. The remaining audience may sit on the
surrounding hillside. The Colonnade serves two functions. First as a picnic
table shelter, and second as the back boundary for the theater.
The Colonnade, wood roof, stone parapet and interior wood framing
structure were in such horrific shape that all were demolished. The only
parts of the structure that could be salvaged were the column and wall
foundations, the floor slab, and the square stone and cylindrical
columns.
The challenge was to rebuild the walls with new construction
materials yet maintain the original historic appearance. Parapet walls were
constructed with new masonry backup and a facade of salvaged stone that was
saved from the existing structure. Repairs and repointing were made to the
existing columns. New steel lintels, comprised of hot-dip galvanized steel
I-beams with plates welded to them, were installed.
The hip roof was replaced with a shed roof supported by tubular
steel to allow spanning the long distance and provide a box-like
appearance.
|
