Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Saugus Town Hall Undergoes Exterior Restoration Project

(Saugus, MA) June 27, 2018 – Town Manager Scott Crabtree is pleased to announce that Saugus Town Hall is undergoing a major restoration project - for the first time in 20 years - to preserve its historic exterior for decades to come. This capital project was supported by the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and approved by Town Meeting in April.

The project, which began in May and will continue through the fall, includes the following peripheral work on the Town’s central structure:

• Remove all paint and repaint with historic colors used in 1998 renovation;
• Reinstall or remove and replace deteriorated wood;
• Remove paint from chimney and make necessary repairs; and
• Rehang slipped slate and replace missing slate.

Plans also include the incorporation of bird control netting that is engineered to disappear in front of any background, so as not to interfere with the building’s aesthetic.

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

Town Meeting has continued to show its support for this important community investment.  In 2016, Town Meeting members voted for a professional assessment of the condition of the interior and exterior of Town Hall. The assessment uncovered a good deal of rot in the wood. This year, Town Meeting members again demonstrated their support for the project by voting in favor of making the necessary renovations to the exterior of the building.

The Town of Saugus is working with restoration firm Building Conservation Associates, Inc., architect Finegold Alexander Architects, and New Generation Painting to ensure the project is completed efficiently, effectively, on schedule, and on budget.  

“We are preserving and protecting the building and minimizing ongoing maintenance requirements while maintaining the historical elements of the building,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “By completing this project, we will help preserve the building for many years to come. I would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Town Meeting, and residents of Saugus for their continued support of this important community initiative.”

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.

“There is a great deal of history in this building and this project is long overdue. These essential restorations in the heart of the Town will put us in a much better position moving forward,” concluded Crabtree.  

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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