A damaged beam in the attic that supports the ceiling of the Gainesville Civic Center ballroom will mean the temporary closure of that portion of the building.
According to Julie Butler Colombini, Marketing and Communications Manager for Gainesville Parks and Recreation, the issue is isolated to the ballroom and does not affect the rest of the building.
"The issue is isolated to the Ballroom [sic] and does not affect the remainder of the building," Colombini wrote in a press statement. "A structural engineer has examined the problem and is working on plans for remediation."
Butler said it is unknown how long the ballroom will have to be closed. Parks and Rec officials are working with customers to relocate upcoming event.
"We fully expect the Ballroom to be open to the public within the coming weeks. We appreciate the community’s support as we address this issue in a safe and timely manner," Colombini said.
The historic building was built in the 1940s, and the beam is part of the original construction. The Civic Center underwent major renovations from 1990-1992.
