The Watson Art Center is going to be getting a bit of a makeover this June, and a new dance floor is on the to-do list.
The Dauphin & District Allied Arts Council Chair Cam Bennet notes that the fresh flooring is funded by the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund.
"Unfortunately, that only covers the top hardwood floor, so we're looking at additional funding from elsewhere for the subfloor underneath so the hardwood lasts longer."
This historic flooring is going to be salvaged and made into numerous creative projects, some of which could be sold to fund a heat-exchange AC unit to keep the Watson the coolest place to be.
When we took up the floor at the high school I worked at for a number of years we saved a good number of items off that and we made a table, I got a bookshelf made out of gym floor, that sort of thing. Same type of idea. Obviously, this one doesn't have the paint and the markings on it, but it almost means you're more able to do stuff with it, right?"
Bennet also noted that the heat exchange is a much more long-term project at this point, but it would offer better temperature control throughout the year while costing less than traditional ductwork AC for a building this size
As an added benefit, the lack of ductwork would help retain the historic feel of the building.
If you want to weigh in with creative uses for this salvaged flooring, a literal piece of history, Contact the Watson at 638 6231, or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
