Columbia Canine Sports Center reconstruction plans approved
Columbia Canine Sports Center’s reconstruction plan was approved by Columbia’s Building Construction Codes Commission on Monday. The owner’s said construction will begin in the next few weeks.
A code official rejected reconstruction plans in early April because of how the building was classifed. Some officials said due to size and occupancy load, the facility should get classified as an arena.
However, an arena-type of classification would require installing sprinklers, changing construction plans and upping the overall project costs.
“We wanted to make sure the intended use met the code requirements for a space that big,” said Columbia Fire Department spokesperson Brad Frazier.
An agreement was made at Monday’s commission meeting and restricts the occupancy of the new complex to a maximum of 200 people.
“It’s a unique situation, but they did arrive at a good compromise,” Frazier said.
A training facility co-owner, Virgina Huxley, said about $200,000 in out-of-pocket costs are expected.
She said they hope to see the new sports center running this summer.
