The Chicopee City Council has approved a request by Mayor Richard J. Kos for an appropriation of funds for the City Hall Phase 1 Rehabilitation project. The appropriation of $1,456,299.90 from the stabilization fund to the Special Account for City Hall Phase 1 Rehabilitation will allow the Planning Department to begin the design phase of the project, including the hiring of an owner’s project manager and architect. A 10% contingency was also included in the appropriation for unforeseen circumstances that may arise during work on the historical building.

The 146-year old building consists of both City Hall Proper and the annex. Because of its age, City Hall Proper will require restoration of the exterior envelope and clock tower, rehabilitation of the auditorium and stained glass windows, and replacement of windows throughout the building. The annex is in need of window replacement as well. Additionally, the HVAC system in both buildings will require an upgrade to a digital system for individual offices.

Beginning with the hiring of NV5, Inc. as owner’s project manager and Dietz & Company as architects, the project can begin its design phase. The design phase is broken into five separate phases, schematic design, design development, construction documents (final design), bidding and negotiations, and contract administration. The design phase of the project is anticipated to take 16 months followed by an 18 month construction phase.

“City Hall is in need of extensive repairs and doing so now is the proactive way to preserve a historical building and eliminate the cost of emergency repairs going forward,” said Mayor Kos.

“Chicopee City Hall has served not only as the center of city government but also as the center of community and cultural life throughout much of the building’s history,” said Lee Pouliot, Director of Planning for the City of Chicopee. “The advancement of this first phase of rehabilitation will allow the building to once again provide the space for cultural and community programming while ensuring the building also meets contemporary needs for city governance. City Hall is an historic icon within Chicopee one that we should be proud of and never take for granted. This project will ensure the building remains an integral part of Chicopee Center’s urban context while preserving its iconic status for generations to come.”

The design phase is expected to begin in April and bidding for construction will begin later next year at which time a request for further appropriations will be made.

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