Renovation/Restoration Project History

Following an engineering assessment in 2002, the North Brookfield Town House was declared structurally unstable, leading to the emergency closure of the building. With the partial assistance of an emergency Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (“MPPF”) grant award in 2003, an engineered shoring plan was prepared and temporary shoring was installed. When the Town accepted this grant, it promised the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) that it would protect the Town House, and any alterations would need to be approved by MHC per a Preservation Restriction agreement. Permanent repairs were made in 2004, making the building structurally sound.

In 2008, the Board of Selectmen, who according to the town’s bylaws constitute “The Town House Committee,” initiated a survey of the community through the annual Town-wide census to determine public sentiment regarding the future of the building. The Friends of the Town House were tasked by the Board of Selectmen with compiling the survey results. 60% of households in North Brookfield responded with 81% in favor of Renovation/Restoration.

After a presentation of the survey results by the Directors of the Friends of the Town House in 2010 the Board of Selectmen asked the Friends to research funding options, historical requirements and facility end-use possibilities for the building. The current estimate for rehabilitation/renovation is estimated to be $5,000,000.00.

In the meantime, the Selectmen applied and received grant funding in the amount of $160,000.00 to pay for cleanup of petroleum contamination on the property. The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) project regarding the soil contamination behind the Town House was completed as mandated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on December 31, 2012. This milestone marked the beginning of the planning phase of the Renovation/Restoration Project.

In August of 2011 the bell tower of the Town House was unexpectedly damaged by excessive winds associated with Tropical Storm Irene. The bell tower was determined to be structurally unsound, and it was removed from the building at the request of the Selectmen under the direction of Local Carpenter and Craftsman, Jeff Samuelson. The Town of North Brookfield received an insurance settlement which defrayed the cost of the removal of the bell tower, the cost of remanufacturing the tower and installation of the new tower.  Samuelson Contracting was hired by the insurance company and completed these tasks. Sufficient funds were also secured by the Friends and the Selectmen to address engineering costs. Emergency MPPF 2012 grant funds were awarded by Mass Historic to assist with the repair of the bell tower base and associated roof replacement.

The new bell tower was installed on May 18, 2014, and once again serves as the focal point of the Town center. During the summer of 2015, work on the Town House was done through State funding obtained by Senator Stephen Brewer prior to his retirement. The money was used to secure the building from water infiltration. Work on the windows, dormers, gutters and a new roof were undertaken and completed with great success.

In addition, monies received through fundraising have allowed consultants to be brought in to support the project and move it forward. All avenues are being explored to utilize creative ways to finance the Renovation/Restoration Project without placing the burden on North Brookfield taxpayers.

The Friends have received tax credits incentives to attract potential private investors. To date, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approved State Tax Credits in the amount of $900,000 and the Federal Government has approved Federal Tax Credits representing 20% of the estimated costs or $1,00,000.00.

A vigorous Capital Campaign is being planned to obtain tax deductible donations from the community, and from other individuals, businesses, and foundations. In addition to renovation/restoration, the future of the building is being addressed on many fronts to preserve its historical significance and to focus on sustainability over many years to come. Additional details on the project will continue to be shared through a series of public forums, informational flyers and other forms of communication as the Capital Campaign gets underway.

Bell Tower Coming Down Slideshow

Bell Tower Going Up Slideshow