Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Historic Saugus Town Hall Renovations Completed and Sidewalks Repaved to Preserve, Protect Building for Decades

(Saugus, MA) August 6, 2019 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is pleased to announce that the Saugus Town Hall has been renovated and surrounding sidewalks have been repaved in order to preserve and protect the community’s historic building for decades to come. This important investment is part of an ongoing effort to continue to make capital infrastructure improvements throughout the Town.

The Town Hall restoration project was advocated for and supported by the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting twice over the last several years. The improvements marked the first time in more than 20 years that the Town Hall has undergone any significant restoration.

Work included the removal of all paint and repainting with the original historic colors that were returned during the 1998 renovation; the reinstallation and/or removal and replacement of deteriorated wood; the removal of paint from the chimney and necessary repairs; and rehanging slipped slate and the replacement of any missing slate. In addition, the Department of Public Works recently replaced 40 sidewalk panels around the building’s perimeter.

“It’s amazing to see what a positive difference this restoration project has made. The Town Hall looks even more vibrant and welcoming for the residents of Saugus with these necessary improvements,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “This building belongs to the public. I am pleased that these enhancements, which were made for the residents of Saugus, have and will continue to preserve and protect the Saugus Town Hall exterior, while maintaining the historical elements of the building, for many years to come.”

Bird control netting was also installed as part of the project. This special netting is engineered to disappear in front of any background, so as not to interfere with the building’s aesthetic, while keeping birds away in order to minimize any potential damage to the building.  

The restoration was completed in stages, beginning on the north side, proceeding to the east, then south, and concluding in the west.

Town Meeting has continued to show its support for this important community investment over the years. In 2016, Town Meeting members voted to allocate $200,000 for a professional assessment of the condition of the exterior of Town Hall. The assessment uncovered a good deal of rot in the wood.

Last year, Town Meeting members again demonstrated their support for the project by voting in favor of allocating $400,000 to make the necessary renovations to the exterior of the building.

The Town of Saugus worked with restoration firm Building Conservation Associates, Inc., architect Finegold Alexander Architects (the original architects during the 1998 renovation), and New Generation Painting to ensure the project was completed efficiently, effectively, on schedule, and on budget. 

Saugus Town Hall was built in 1875 and designed in the Stick Style/Victorian Eclectic by the Boston architectural firm of Lord and Fuller. At first, the building housed the high school, School Committee, police department and public library, all of which have since been moved to their respective locations.

“Located in the heart of Saugus Center, our historic Town Hall is an integral piece of the community that is treasured by generations of Saugus residents,” said Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Debra Panetta.  “I commend the Town Manager for prioritizing improvements to this special landmark, which is a source of pride in Saugus.”

The Town Manager thanked the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Town Meeting, and residents of Saugus for their continued support of this important community initiative.

For more information on the project, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.

About The Town of Saugus

The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.

Follow Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree on Twitter and Instagram at @scottccrabtree, and visit his blog at www.saugustownmanager.tumblr.com.

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