Town Hall project to move ahead

Architects tapped to tweak design

By M.E. Jones

Correspondent

HARVARD -- The proposed Town Hall renovation project that for a time seemed at risk of withering on the vine has been reinvigorated, even reinvented, with a downsized wish list and a recent mandate set by the selectmen to move forward based on the current design but with an "acceptable" price tag. That is, about $2.4 million, which is the balance left from the $3.9 million Town Meeting appropriated for the job in 2012.

From their ongoing discussions, the selectmen's vision now is a back-to- basics version of the existing design townspeople have come to know over the last couple years but leaving out some of the pricier components. For example, the addition and HVAC system will remain in place, with repairs. And instead of gutting the interior of the 19th-century building to create an entirely new look, the new floor plan will be functional but less ambitious, moving all offices downstairs and leaving the second floor pretty much as is, gracious front staircase and all, adding a lift for access.

Selectmen as THBC

Selectmen assumed the mantle of de facto building committee in November, 2013 after voters resoundingly rejected a bid to up the original bankroll by another $1 million to cover a sudden, unexpected spike in the construction cost estimate.

Acting under new marching orders, selectmen discussed next steps with a jeweler's eye to cost control.

With summarized outcomes from those forums in hand, the selectmen discussed the matter again at their Jan. 7 meeting. All things considered, they agreed it was time to talk to the architects - LLB, of Rhode Island - about a design fix.

Citing the contract, Chairman Marie Sobalvarro suggested at the time that there might be no additional cost to taper the design to fit the budget, but even if the architects charged an added fee, money in the schematic design budget should cover it, she said.

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Town Hall project to move ahead