Cohasset officials presented a revised Town Hall infrastructure improvement plan Tuesday night, with projects totaling $635,000 - a significant reduction from previous estimates that reached $1.5 million for fire suppression alone.
The comprehensive renovation package includes several critical infrastructure upgrades: a $400,000 fire suppression and alarm system, $90,000 for HVAC system redesign, $25,000 in electrical upgrades, $100,000 for window replacements, and $20,000 for historic office restoration.
"We did just replace the roof," Select Board Chair Ellen Maher noted. "There was an appropriation last year, $325,000 that came in bid wise, just a little over $90,000 with a small change order due to additional repairs. We ended up paying about $112,000 for that."
The town is taking a more hands-on approach to the renovations, exploring cost-saving measures through internal resources. Select Board Vice Chair Paul Grady explained that by "putting the fire suppression system and getting the alarms hooked up, we can get into the building to start working on it and start doing things on our own without taking everything out to bid."
The project also considers historical preservation while addressing practical needs. "The windows on the historic side are obviously going to need to be made to a particular spec," noted Select Board member David Farrag, adding that officials are weighing whether to maintain historical accuracy or opt for more weather-resistant modern alternatives.
Town officials are working with building inspector John Allen to determine the most cost-effective approach while preserving existing infrastructure where possible. "Can we preserve the boilers, which are relatively new, the newest thing in the building," Grady said, describing the team's practical approach to the renovations.
The revised plan represents what officials call the fourth iteration of Town Hall improvements, with hopes that this version will be the one that sticks. The significant cost reduction from previous estimates suggests the town's new approach to building improvements may be paying off.
"We're finding is that when we really said this is what we can afford, we're finding prices drop, progress gets done bit by bit," said Select Board member Jack Creighton. "So I think we're doing well."
The project is part of a larger effort to preserve and update the historic building while making it more functional for current town needs. Officials continue to explore additional space utilization options throughout town facilities to maximize efficiency and accessibility.