CONSTRUCTION HAS FINALLY STARTED!!!
After what seems like an interminable winter, we were finally able to begin construction on the extension to the Old Town Hall. This structure will house the elevator, new ADA compliant bathrooms and a grade level access to the second floor. It’s the biggest and most expensive part of the restoration, and will bring us into compliance with building code, which will allow us to expand the use of the building.
The first step in the project was putting in a brand-new power pole, transformer and power lines to the building. National Grid installed the new pole in front of the Floor Store, replacing one that dated back to the 1950’s, and new lines. The old “historic” ones couldn’t handle the power required for the elevator and A/C (eventually).
Then, on April 9, a cold Monday morning, a big truck delivered concrete blocks, iron bars and bags of cement. The mason started building the core structure to eventually house the elevator. We didn’t crack a bottle of champagne to celebrate, (too cold and early in the day), but did get some hot coffee for the crew. If the weather cooperates, they expect to have the core completed in mid-May and then the work on the outer shell can start.
While there are many more parts of this project, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, actual elevator installation, etc., we’re moving forward. Hopefully, by the end of the summer we’ll be able to start using some part of our new space.
After what seems like an interminable winter, we were finally able to begin construction on the extension to the Old Town Hall. This structure will house the elevator, new ADA compliant bathrooms and a grade level access to the second floor. It’s the biggest and most expensive part of the restoration, and will bring us into compliance with building code, which will allow us to expand the use of the building.
The first step in the project was putting in a brand-new power pole, transformer and power lines to the building. National Grid installed the new pole in front of the Floor Store, replacing one that dated back to the 1950’s, and new lines. The old “historic” ones couldn’t handle the power required for the elevator and A/C (eventually).
Then, on April 9, a cold Monday morning, a big truck delivered concrete blocks, iron bars and bags of cement. The mason started building the core structure to eventually house the elevator. We didn’t crack a bottle of champagne to celebrate, (too cold and early in the day), but did get some hot coffee for the crew. If the weather cooperates, they expect to have the core completed in mid-May and then the work on the outer shell can start.
While there are many more parts of this project, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, actual elevator installation, etc., we’re moving forward. Hopefully, by the end of the summer we’ll be able to start using some part of our new space.
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About the Campaign to Restore the 1854 Town Hall in West Stockbridge
Since the campaign to restore the 1854 Town Hall was launched in 2009, the West Stockbridge Historical Society has raised over $475,000 from its loyal supporters, and through state and private grants. The reopening of the Town Hall has acted as a major catalyst in the rebirth of the village center, both commercially and culturally. Last year, we drew over 2,400 people from around the area and beyond to events in the building. We’re now more than halfway to our goal of returning this architectural gem to its rightful place at the heart of community. The Historical Society Benefit at Turn Park kicks off the next phase of the Restoration Campaign, and it’s our biggest challenge yet: constructing the rear extension (which will eventually house the handicap elevator), bathrooms, and second grade level access. Due to building codes and ADA requirements, without this extension, we will soon be severely restricted legally as to the number of events we can hold in the building. Every dollar you contribute goes toward reaching this goal. Please help us preserve the past and build for the future!
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Since the campaign to restore the 1854 Town Hall was launched in 2009, the West Stockbridge Historical Society has raised over $475,000 from its loyal supporters, and through state and private grants. The reopening of the Town Hall has acted as a major catalyst in the rebirth of the village center, both commercially and culturally. Last year, we drew over 2,400 people from around the area and beyond to events in the building. We’re now more than halfway to our goal of returning this architectural gem to its rightful place at the heart of community. The Historical Society Benefit at Turn Park kicks off the next phase of the Restoration Campaign, and it’s our biggest challenge yet: constructing the rear extension (which will eventually house the handicap elevator), bathrooms, and second grade level access. Due to building codes and ADA requirements, without this extension, we will soon be severely restricted legally as to the number of events we can hold in the building. Every dollar you contribute goes toward reaching this goal. Please help us preserve the past and build for the future!
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More pictures to follow!
On Thursday May 18, the Mass Cultural Council and Governor Baker announced that the West Stockbridge Historical Society is the recipient of a $90,000 matching grant from the Cultural Facilities Fund. A number of people worked on the application, starting last November and submitted it in January. We were on edge for four months.
This grant is for the next phase of the 1854 Town Hall renovation, to construct the rear extension on the building to house the ADA elevator shaft, new bathrooms, and access to the second floor. It is the biggest phase of work and most important in meeting the ADA and building code requirements. The matching grant goes a long way in helping fund the project.
This is a major event for the Historical Society and for our town in many ways, a real cause for celebration, something everyone can be proud of. In the grant world, we compete against larger organizations back east as well as the big non-profits in Berkshire County like Mass MOCA, The Mount and the BSO. All have been recipients of M.C.C. Cultural Facilities funds in the past and many have received multiple grants over the years. We are honored to be in such company. Competition was especially fierce this year and our inclusion with the big guys makes us really proud.
Winning this grant is result of the major support we have received from our loyal membership and donors, our community, politicians, partner organizations and businesses. We couldn’t have achieved this without you.
Thank you all very much.
Bob Salerno
President