SUMMIT, NJ — The long-awaited Cornog Field House renovations are under way.
The Cornog Field House, dedicated on Nov. 11, 1928, was named for Elwood Cornog, a Summit resident, coach and veteran who was an active member of the community. He was an athletic director in addition to coaching football, baseball and basketball at Summit High School. For a time, the building was even used as the field house for Summit High School.
“Cornog House isn’t a historic building, but it’s an iconic one,” Judith Josephs, Summit director of community programs, told LocalSource in a June 15 phone interview.
Renovations to the field house began June 15. Located at 5 Myrtle Ave. on Memorial Field, the building has been the headquarters of the Recreation Commission for the past 15 years.
“The project will repair the roof, gutters, soffits, attic windows, chimney cap, front roof canopy and railings,” Josephs said. “This portion of the renovations will cost $296,000 and will be funded through the city’s capital improvement plan.”
Last year, restoration work was completed on the chimney. The replacement of seven attic windows will be included in the first phase; they will be similar in appearance to the original but be more energy-efficient, Josephs said.
“The second phase will repair the two entrance doors and balance of windows,” Josephs said. “This will cost $50,000 and the work will be completed by public works to keep the cost at that price. So far the infrastructure has been leaking and the building has suffered an immense amount of water damage.”
The construction will also include some improvements to make the 4,000-square-foot building more weatherproof.
“During the summer, the temporary home of community programs will be in the community center,” Josephs said, referring to the Summit Community Center. “The work is expected to be complete by the end of the summer. The work will save the building’s shell and make it waterproof. A lightning-protection system will be added.”
The work in the initial phase of the project will be completed by Spartan Construction of South Amboy. It was designed by Potter Architects of Union.
During the construction, Memorial Field park will remain open, but the restrooms will not. Visitors will be asked to follow all caution signs and observe construction barriers.
“There will be ADA-accessible portable restrooms on site,” Josephs said.
The facility will also be the temporary home of the Summit Community Center, which will undergo construction in September. The $6.5 million project for that facility will include an addition to the building at 100 Morris Ave., to include a game room and senior lounge.