During a meeting this week, city officials reported progress in the planning for upgrades at Joe O’Brien Field, home of the Elizabethton Twins (Rookie; Appalachian League).
The Minnesota Twins and City of Elizabethton officials are working to map out renovations to Joe O’Brien Field. Should they come to fruition, the upgrades would likely address a number of the areas of the ballpark, with the one of the main results being improved player facilities.
At Thursday’s Elizabethton City Council meeting, officials discussed invoices from project architect Thomas Weems. It was during that meeting that mayor Curt Alexander provided an update on the potential Joe O’Brien Field upgrades, noting that the city and the Twins have have come to an agreement on the design concept for the project. Ultimately, the council gave unanimous approval to the invoices. More from The Johnson City Press:
Alexander said Weems has been working on a schematic design master planning study for the stadium upgrades to Joe O’Brien Field. He said Weems has worked on about 20 designs, and the city and the Twins have just reached an agreement this week on the design known as Option 7, Revision 6.
The minimum standard for the designs were the requirements of Minor League Baseball, but the agreed design contains additional items the Twins have requested. Alexander said Weems’ invoice includes all of the work he and his staff have performed and it comes to $33,299.50. He said once the council approved the invoices on Thursday night, the invoices will be sent to the Twins, who have agreed to pay them.
Alexander said the final design is for 8,020-square-foot clubhouse, which includes a weight room and training room. Minnesota will provide furnishings and equipment for those rooms. The city is responsible for furnishing the visitor side.
City Manager Jerome Kitchens said the Minnesota Twins have not committed to any additional payments. Alexander said that might be worked out once Weems completes plans to be bid. He said the city has made it clear that its $1.5 million commitment is the city’s ceiling.
The E-Twins have called Joe O’Brien Field their home since 1974.
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