Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 10, 2026 RENOVATION | FROM PAGE 1 events, community forums and, when needed, a cooling and heating center during extreme weather events and to provide emergency shelter for families whose homes become unlivable due to things like bursting pipes. The historic building is named after Edward Connolly, who was the Mayor from 1979-86 and a State Representative from 1990 until his death in 2006. Little more than regular maintenance has been conducted since a renovation in 1989. Given the age of the building, it is in need of a new cooling and heating system, new kitchen facilities, an elevator and increased handicapped access, among other things. The roof also leaks and the windows bleed air. The City is planning a renovation, the fi rst phase of which is assessing the building and gathering information from the community as to what is needed and what the layout might look like, funded in part by a $50,000 grant from the state Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) EmPower Massachusetts program. The fi rst of a number of forums on the matter was held Tuesday, July 7, at the site. “We’re here to hear what you’d like,” Mark McKevitz of ICON Architecture told the audience of about 40. Resident Doris McGee mentioned improving spaces for exercise classes, including installing a mirror often used in dance and exercise classes, the need for better air conditioning and new bathrooms and having more parking. “We need to try to get it the way we need it to be,” she said. “To keep it the way it is doesn’t fi t what’s going on.” Resident Lisa Montague feels the large open space in the Center needs to be preserved for its social events, while COA Director Dale Palma mentioned the need to have fl exibility in the open space. McKevitz acknowledged the Center needs defined spaces for certain activities, but also fl exibility for largescale events. “We’re working through the programs to see how the big open space could be used and possibly expanded and contracted as needed,” he said. Owner Project Manager Stephen Michener of consultants LeftField said fi guring out how to use various spaces is “part of the puzzle” of the project. Work will also be needed in the upstairs offi ce space and the basement, which was once used as a fi ring range. McKevitz is confi dent the upper fl oor can be used more eff ectively for things other than offi ces, especially with the addition of an elevator, but isn’t sure about the basement. Requests for a bowling alley aren’t realistic economically or logistically. There was also a cost-prohibitive request for underground parking, but McKevitz said there is a possibility for street parking dedicated to the Center. At a minimum work will be done to bring the building up to codes, be energy effi cient and fi x outer brickwork while maintaining the historic character of the building. Historical Commission member Lawrence Arinello voiced a desire for space for historic exhibits in the building. “Part of the process is bringing everything up to code,” McKevitz reacted. “We want to fi nd a design that works for everyone in YOUR LOCAL NEWS & SPORTS IN SIX LANGUAGES. SUBSCRIBE TO THE ADVOCATE ONLINE BY SCANNING HERE! the community,” Sustainability Manager Kate Jenkins added. A similar virtual-only forum will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, which can be accessed on the City’s website calendar, followed by one with tentative plans incorporating community feedback currently scheduled for Thursday, August 20. In October, more detailed plans will be presented to the City Council for consideration and possible approval. Along the way a Conditions Assessment Report will be put together. The total cost and timeline of a renovation still have to be determined, as do fund sources. A tentative timeline in the PowerPoint presentation shown scheduled a design phase and permitting from this October to September 2027, bidding and the awarding of a contract in September and October 2027, preconstruction or site preparation from October 2027 to midMarch 2028 and construction from March 2028 to May 2029. Jenkins said the City is pursuing a $500,000 grant through the state’s Green Communities program but warned that it covers mainly energy systems and weatherization. Other grants will be needed and pursued, but a local funding source may also be a component. The question of if and to what degree the Center might be open during renovation is also up in the air. “I imagine some swing space might be needed,” Michener said. “I like they wanted our input,” Montague said after the meeting. Palma said the attendees provided great feedback. “The feedback was excellent,” McKevitz agreed.
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