Cape Sportsplex construction remains on schedule

Despite recent downpours, construction continues on the Cape Girardeau Sportsplex, and progress remains on schedule.

"February 17 is the deadline," Julia Thompson, director of the Cape Girardeau parks and recreation department said. "That could all change, though, depending on the weather."

Penzel Construction is building the complex for the city as part of a $12 million design-build contract.

Phil Penzel, owner of Penzel Construction, said workers will begin closing the structure in this week. They will focus on installing the exterior wall systems, roofing and interior floor slabs in the 121,000 square-foot facility near the northeast corner of Interstate 55 and U.S. 61.

Thompson said they also will work on plumbing this week.

"It's coming along very well," Penzel said. "I'm very pleased with the progress."

Penzel Construction also is working on entryways to the Sportsplex. Though Limbaugh Lane is not going to receive any roadwork, roadways into and away from the property will need to be considered. Thompson said she expects more than 500 vehicles could require access to the facility at any given time. The building itself will have a capacity of 1,500 people.

"You have to plan for ingress and egress of that many people," Thompson said. "You have to plan for that with parking and pedestrian access. And everything has to meet city codes."

Penzel said 25 to 30 construction workers are working on the complex, but once the work moves indoors, more subcontractors will be brought in.

"It creates quite an interesting orchestration," Thompson said. "They've been doing a great job so far."

When Penzel finishes its work, Cape Girardeau parks and recreation department employees will begin theirs. Moving in, setting up equipment, and training and hiring staff will be the department's priority once a certificate of occupancy has been issued and Penzel has released the building.

Thompson said her department will need a number of weeks to "get a shakedown of the facility" before a soft opening can be scheduled.

Barring unforeseen delays, Thompson anticipates the facility will be open by late March or early April.

bbrown@semissourian.com

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