Committee Suggests $25M Reconstruction of Town Hall

FRAMINGHAM, MA - The Blue Ribbon Municipal Buildings Plan Committee presented a plan to fix up the many deteriorating municipal buildings that require maintenance in town.

The committee suggested that the Memorial Building at 150 Concord St. undergo reconstruction by demolishing and replacing the wings and Nevins Hall, while retaining Veterans Hall and the main facade.

The building faces an estimated $7-$10 million in urgent repairs, and a full maintenance project would cost between upwards of $28 million.

The major demolition and construction of a new facility supporting Town Hall office and meeting space functions would cost an estimated $25 million.

The committee also recommended the lease of town-owned space for the temporary relocation of Town Hall functions. Some of the potential options were the former TD Bank Building and the former McAuliffe Library.

The committee proposed that the town demolish the Danforth Building and use the space as a parking lot for police and Memorial Building staff, freeing up space for public use at Town Hall.

The Danforth Building was referred to as “more of a liability to the town than an asset,” in the report.

The committee made further recommendations for additional buildings including Pearl Street Garage, the former MWRTA Facility, DPW Facility and more.