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CHELSEA – Work is nearly finished on a new pavilion bearing pieces of an old Chelsea landmark.

The Weldon Pavilion at the Chelsea Sports Complex features materials salvaged from the old Weldon building, which was located on Shelby County 47 before it was dismantled in early 2017.

“Three years ago, ever since we disassembled the building, my intention was always to use as much material as I could to use in the pavilion,” Mayor Tony Picklesimer said. “We used as much of the original wood as we could, and we have the original screen doors, windows and big beams in the top of it. We used what we could and replaced what we had to. It is an amazing replica of the store.”

The cost of the pavilion project has totaled about $280,000, Picklesimer said.

The pavilion is 95-percent complete now, with finishing touches on the building and landscaping work underway.

“It should be open for use this summer,” he said. “We had to do it as a part of phase two at the athletic complex, and it just takes time.”

Overlooking the lake, the pavilion is enclosed at two ends and has restroom facilities.

Grills and picnic tables will be stationed nearby.

“It’s intended for public use, for family reunions, birthday parties and family outings,” Picklesimer said. “Eventually, you’ll be able to walk all the way around the lake and fish in the lake. It’s a really good thing.”

A ribbon cutting for the pavilion will be scheduled at a later date.

Ballfields in phase two of the sports complex are expected to be open by spring 2021, Picklesimer said.