The Irvine city council Tuesday signed off on the purchase of a refurbished carousel for the Great Park, as well as a grant of $244,000 from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department to go toward the renovation of Hangar 244, the historic hanger left over from the Marine base that previously occupied the property.
Total cost of the purchasing of the carousel, refurbishing it, redoing the theme as well as site preparation and installation is expected to be $411,800, which will be paid for using park funds.
Barrango Manufacturing built the carousel in 2003 and is decorated with Venetian themed murals. The plan is to re-theme the carousel to reflect the “heritage and development of the Great Park,” according to a city staff report.
The city claims that the purchase and refurbishing of the carouse will cost the city less than if it bought a new one. Barrango estimated that a new carousel of comparable size would cost $500,000.
The grant for Hangar 244 will go toward improvements for future uses such as “classroom, entertainment, dining, parties, and large gatherings such as chess tournaments, dances, exhibits and performances,” a city staff report said.