The Signal Mountain Town Council, as well as the town as a whole, is being faced with a question: Is the Mountain Arts Community Center valuable enough to maintain?
At the Council’s Aug. 26 work session, MACC Director Barb Storm, along with Bob Franklin of Franklin Architects, presented a list of proposed renovations and improvements that could amount to more than $1.6 million in costs to the town.
The most immediate improvements needed, situated at the top of the priority list presented, add up to more than $600,000 alone. Included are installing a sprinkler system, upgrading electrical wiring and the existing fire alarm system and installing a new heating and air-conditioning system.
According to Signal Mountain Fire Chief Eric Mitchell, the MACC is currently on the state fire marshal’s watch list because of the needed safety improvements.
“I think it’s time for the town to accept ownership of the building and maintain it,” Councilman Dick Gee said after the presentation. “I think it’s time to do proper maintenance, and it’s going to cost some money.”