LOS ANGELES : Repair of Quake-Damaged Coliseum Peristyle Studied

A discussion on repair of the quake-damaged peristyle end of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was held Wednesday by representatives of the Coliseum, state historic preservation groups and officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Demolition and reconstruction of some of the historic columns was one option examined.

The Coliseum’s project director, Don C. Webb, said that under all three options for repair that are being considered, the central arch of the peristyle would remain. But side columns may be rebuilt, he said, and all parts of the peristyle structure will have to be reinforced or crowned with new material, at the minimum.

No cost estimates have been made for this part of the Coliseum repair. Such work is apt to be unfinished in time for next fall’s football season, Webb said, even while other parts of the stadium are opened to spectators. Other repair costs have been estimated at $34.7 million.