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The Friends of PIR board recently got an update on the progress from our Pergola project committee and asked that the exciting news be shared with FOPIR members.
Since launching the project in July of 2023, FOPIR has achieved our goal of $230,000 from member donations, matching donations from board members and proceeds from volunteer worker efforts at races including IndyCar, Formula E, NASCAR and the Rose Cup Races.
The architecture and engineering drawings were donated by ZGF and KPFF, both are internationally recognized Portland based firms. Trent Thelen, FOPIR board member spearheading the project (and ZGF employee) has been working hard to complete the technical drawings said “Getting from concept to final design is a team effort. Many ZGF architects and KPFF engineers volunteered their time to help bring the pergola concept and design to life”. With the drawings submitted to the city, the permitting process is well underway, with final approval expected in October.
Once the permits are fully approved, efforts turn to steel fabrication, which is being provided by 2023 Rose Cup Races winner Chris Evans and his Evans Metal Fabricators and Isley Welding companies. PIR track general manager Ron Huegli is keeping a close eye on the project, where construction needs to happen in the window between the Christmas Lights season and the start of racing in the spring. “A weather sheltered pergola was high on my list when I became PIR’s General Manager. The FOPIR pergola will give user groups a year-round sheltered area and will allow us to bring in new projects that need rain-or-shine dry space”.
Construction is expected to begin in January 2025, with the pergola ready for use in time for the 2025 race season. Look for a dedication ceremony at the 2025 Rose Cup Races.