Renovation helps drive Coliseum's value

FORT WAYNE -- A massive $34.5 million renovation at the Memorial Coliseum has helped the building's value nearly double in four years.\nA new appraisal released this week shows the arena's value jumped from $36.6 million to $66.6 million. Meanwhile, the value of the \nColiseum's property -- including Memorial Stadium and equipment -- climbed from $76.9 million to $121.9 million, assessors told the coliseum's board of trustees Tuesday.\nIn 2002, builders raised the arena's roof by 40 feet, adding 24 skyboxes and 322 club-level seats. The Allen County facility reopened in November 2002.\nRandy Brown, the coliseum's general manager, said the increase was not unexpected because of the scope of the renovation and shows the investment was worthwhile.