Swingin’ at the Shell has grown to be a beloved tradition in our community, providing soul-stirring music and a vibrant atmosphere for all to enjoy. In 2023, the showstoppers weren’t just the bands but the remarkable renovations completed at the Victory Park Band Shell in the spring and summer 2023.
Victory Park, Albion’s large public park, has been a cornerstone of our community, and the band shell is a cherished venue for music and community events. But time and the elements had taken their toll on this iconic structure, making a renovation long overdue.
First and foremost, the renovation aimed at preserving the historic character of the band shell. The beautiful structure was built just before World War II, with custom reliefs done by Samuel Cashwan carefully maintained while ensuring the structure could continue to stand the test of time. The restoration team worked diligently to ensure the band shell remains an architectural gem in our community.
Structure stabilization and repairs that can’t be seen were completed first, including a full replacement of the flat roof to stop water damage. Concrete was repaired across the structure of the shell including the top of the dome and along the steps. Following those repairs, the talented team at Schweitzer, in partnership with local powerwashers, prepped the surface to be painted and sealed. While the work happened on the Band Shell, plenty was happening on the lawn too.
Brad Powers Concrete and Carr Brothers & Sons Excavating collaborated to bring the vision for accessible pathways throughout the lawn. Grading was done to level out low spots and smooth the hill a bit ahead of the addition of walkways. Two paths were added along the east and west sides of the lawn, leading down to the stage and around to the restrooms. Additionally, two paths were added to help visitors cross the lawn without worry of tripping on uneven grounds. These paths also help those who use walkers, wheelchairs, strollers, kids’ bikes, and scooters to get across to their favorite spot to enjoy a concert.
In total, $160,000 was invested in the structure, painting, walkways, and lawn of the bandshell, and we expect this investment to benefit visitors to the Victory Park Band Shell for years to come. This work could not have been done without the philanthropic support of the Albion Community Foundation, William H. and Karen K Dobbins Family Foundation, and CasterCares. A special thanks to all our partners in this effort; the project could not have been completed without the hard work of teams of these local organizations.
The Victory Park Band Shell renovation of 2023 is nothing short of a triumph. It preserves our town’s history, enhances our cultural experiences, and strengthens the sense of community in Victory Park. Swingin’ at the Shell, already a beloved tradition, is poised to be even better, ensuring that the sweet sounds of live will continue to bring our community together for years to come.
