Completion of the Esplanade extension project will be delayed until mid August because of unexpected problems with the arch, said city engineer Bob Climes. The project was scheduled to be finished before the end of July.

Changes in sizing of the stones spelling “Kent State University” along the arch caused problems with the supporting beam, Climes said, which required replacements. Fixing the arch will increase the cost of the project, but Climes didn’t say by how much

“It was decided to make a structural redesign to the arch that will strengthen its durability,” said university spokesman Eric Mansfield. “This, combined with the rainy weather during the past few weeks, will push the esplanade extension completion date back.”

Mansfield said the university plans to celebrate the completion of the Esplanade on Sept. 18

Contact Jessica White at [email protected].