[MassHistPres] Town Hall Renovation Success/Failure stories

[Alison Hardy, Window Woman]

The Town of Topsfield is once again reviewing the issue of housing town government. Our 1873 Town Hall received a glorious exterior renovation a few years back making it a jewel on the Town Common. However, the interior is in a sad state. Offices are cramped and inconvenient, meeting space is negligible, and the second floor great hall is a warren of dividing panels that sort of make up offices but with no privacy to conduct business and no access for the disabled. 
Studies have been done over the last two decades, designs proposed, and without exception all have failed to receive the votes for funding. So we're starting the process again. I am hoping to put together data from other towns that have renovated their Town Halls to provide some comparative information and context. Actually, any advice on experience with accomodating town goverment in the modern age in an antique structure would be welcome. 

Alison Hardy
Topsfield Historic Commission


Alison Hardy
Window Woman of New England
www.window-woman-ne.com
978-561-1062