CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas —
An update meeting was held today by a Chambers County Judge concerning the recent collapse of an arena in Winnie.
The Lilton Sonnier Arena project at Winnie-Stowell Park collapsed on February 5 during construction. People were working at the time of the event but no one was hurt according to Chambers County Fire Marshal Ryan Holzaepfel.
Chambers County anticipates being able to restart construction within a 2-3 month time period and release a new completion date according to a Chambers County news release.
The site has been cleared of construction materials involved in the collapse and the county is waiting on a forensic report determining the exact cause of the collapse according to the release.
The report will allow the county and designers to take steps to continue the project according to the release.
County Attorney Scott Peal is formally requesting that all steel structural members be removed and a completely new steel structure be fabricated to ensure no materials are reused according to the release.
The release states, “While it is acknowledged that everyone would like to see the arena completed before the Texas Rice Festival, safety in the process is the top priority.”
From a Chambers County news release:
Update – Lilton Sonnier Arena Today, Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia hosted an update meeting with contractors and parties involved with the Lilton Sonnier Arena project at the Winnie-Stowell Park.
To date, the site has been cleared of construction materials involved in the collapse. In addition, investigations have been completed, and the County is awaiting a forensic report determining the exact cause of the collapse. The report is an important component as it will enable the county and designers to take appropriate steps in continuance of the project.
In addition, County Attorney Scott Peal is formally requesting that all steel structural members, whether involved in the collapse or staged on site, be removed and a completely new steel structure be fabricated.
This is a very important step to ensure no materials are reused moving forward. Within a 2-3 month time period, the County anticipates being able to restart construction and release a new completion date for the project.
While it is acknowledged that everyone would like to see the arena completed before the Texas Rice Festival, safety in the process is the top priority. “We will move forward,” stated County Commissioner Precinct 1, Jimmy Gore, a position to which he and County Judge Jimmy Sylvia are sticking.