WESTFIELD – The Community Preservation Commission is considering an application to restore the Old Town Hall on 20 Broad Street.
The First Congregational Church, which occupies the building, submitted a formal request for $172,000 in grants under the Commonwealth’s Community Preservation Act (CPA). The committee sought clarification from the city’s Law Department on whether granting the CPA money to a church violates the separation of church and state. An immediate opinion by the Law Department was not expected.
The church estimated the restoration work will cost $189,000, which includes constructing a handicap ramp and upgrading the kitchen. The $17,000 kitchen upgrade is likely not covered under the CPA.
Church members, led by Bob Brownlee, presented the proposal before the committee on Thursday.
The committee, chaired by Joseph Muto, meets quarterly. Principal Planner Jay Vinskey was in attendance, along with officials from the Historical Commission, Housing Authority and Planning Board.
First Congregational will engage the services of a commercial real estate firm to find long-term tenants to occupy the remaining square footage. The imposing brick building faces the city’s Park Square. The church purchased the property in 1962 for $7,500. In the past, the building has served as the town hall, community meeting space, high school and a branch office of the state’s Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Brownlee, who chairs the church’s property committee, said the CPA funding will help maintain the building’s historic integrity. He said the restoration project has not gone out to bid but the church has been meeting with the principal architect for the past year.
The plans include installing a handicap lift in the rear of the building. Brownlee said the lift and construction of a handicap accessible bathroom should stay within the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
The major work entails reappointing the exterior bricks, said Brownlee. He added the church could hold off on the kitchen renovation. A rear fire escape would be removed.
Muto said preserving the building’s envelope, which affords protection against the elements, is a crucial consideration during the application process. He did not see any issues with the handicap lift or bathroom.
The Westfield Historical Commission offered a letter of support for the project. The Old Town Hall is the oldest public building in Westfield.
Brownlee said the construction timeline rests with funding and finding a commercial tenant. The church recently interviewed five real estate companies that specialize in commercial leases. First Congregational was expected to sign a contract with the finalist.
Church officials and committee members will tour the building before the next formal session in April. The committee tabled the motion until the next meeting.
The Community Preservation Committee formed in 2003, following a citywide referendum to adopt the Community Preservation Act. A surcharge on property taxes funds the program. The Commonwealth matches revenues raised by the City of Westfield.
CPA has proven successful in restoring historically significant buildings and in preserving heritage landscapes in Hadley and Southwick.
