TMP Fieldhouse fire-code updates nearly complete

tmp doors 4 — Work is nearing completion on the remodel of TMP’s Al Billinger Fieldhouse to satisfy fire code requirements.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Construction at Thomas More Prep-Marian’s Al Billinger Fieldhouse has continued to progress steadily since early November, when the school was notified by the state fire marshal of fire code deficiencies.

“We’ve made countless adjustments and schedule changes,” Development Director Jeff Brull told Hays Post on Monday. “Our students, athletes, faculty, staff, fans and parents have been very accommodating. They’ve certainly made the best of a bad situation.”

Activities such as sporting events have been moved off campus to several other Hays facilities.

As of Monday, the east exit of the building from the gym floor was nearly complete, and work on the exit from the top bleacher area continues.

Workers broke through the exterior brick wall Friday afternoon to create the opening for new fireproof doors. Electrical work began Monday, and Brull said the door and stair installation are next.

“Once that’s complete, we hope to get the OK from the office of the state fire marshal,” he said. “We’ve got a few events we’d still like to see hosted in the gym before the (school)year is out, and we’re doing everything we can to keep it on schedule.”