RIPON – The old museum at Mavis Stouffer Park will soon get a makeover.

Ripon City Council approved plans Tuesday to convert the facility into an assembly hall where residents can rent for family reunions, small weddings, or a meeting place.

Plans call for the project to be conducted in-house and in three phases by the Public Works Department, using two temporary employees.

“We understand that one or more could be (former employees) who were previously laid off due to budget cuts,” said Public Works director Ted Johnston.

Total cost of the project including labor and materials is estimated at $26,000.

“The first phase should be done now,” Johnston said.

The primary work calls for repairing the extensive dry rot damage located in the interior wall near the front entrance of the building, with cost projected at $3,000.

The second phase would consist of the necessary modifications to the building for rental use.

Cost was estimated at $18,500 and includes:

• Installing an additional restroom by converting the existing storage room.

• Making minor handicap accessibility modifications to the existing restroom.

• Constructing storage closet for tables and chairs in the southwest corner of the building.

• Replacing the existing side exit door and installing new picnic hardware.

• Installing new cabinets, sinks and counter tops for food preparation / serving area.

• Replacing damaged and stained ceiling tiles.

• Purchasing new tables and chairs.

• Restriping the existing parking lot in the front of the building and adding a handicap parking space.

• Painting the exterior of the building.

Johnston indicated that not too long ago an individual working on his Eagle Scout project had offered to paint the exterior.

Meanwhile, the third phase is the construction of a four-foot-wide sidewalk, going from the building to the existing parking lot on the north side of the park near the main entrance. Cost is about $4,500.

Public Works also discussed the rental fee at about $500, with potential revenue projected at $10,000 to $20,000 per year.

 Council members Chuck Winn and Garry Krebbs both believe that the revenue generated from rentals could later provide the necessary parking accommodations.

In addition, Johnston noted that the city could begin renting out the building even before work begins on phase three of the project.