Ice Barn breaks ground

By NATHAN LAMB | Milton Independent Staff Writer
mireporter@mac.com

Workers from Harrison Concrete poured a foundation last week for an expansion of the old Showtime Video building at 384 Route 7 South. The space is slated to house a skating rink by September.

Construction has begun on a local skating rink, and the project's owner is predicting it will be operational in time for hockey season.

“We'll definitely have ice by September first,” said Milton resident Steve Kilburn, standing outside the former Showtime Video building at 384 Route 7 South.

On this particular day a construction crew was out back, busy pouring the foundation for a 27,000 square foot addition to the existing building. Kilburn said the addition will eventually house the skating rink itself. The structure will be made of steel, and building materials should be on-site within two or three weeks, he said.

Kilburn estimated the project has a total price tag of roughly $2-2.5 million. He said future expansion is likely, noting that permits allow for the addition to be up to 40,000 square feet. Kilburn said he plans to eventually add a pool and outdoor recreation area to the complex as well.

For now, Kilburn said it's a great feeling to have those first shovels in the ground, having invested years of prep work toward that goal.

“After five years of struggling with permits and everything else, it's rewarding to be at this point,” he said.

After considering at least two other sites in the area, Kilburn announced his plans for 384 Route 7 South in late 2007, and spent much of the following year securing local and state permits for the project.

Kilburn said the Ice Barn has been keeping him busy off-site as well, saying he's been reaching out to hockey enthusiasts who will likely be using the rink. To date, local hockey groups have been commuting to places like Highgate for ice time.

“It's going to be a great thing for the town,” said Kilburn. “We've spoken with a lot of the hockey parents, organizations and stuff; people are really excited to see it happening.”