Historical restoration plan for Southborough water tower moving forward with new experts

The Southborough Community Preservation Committee (CPC) meeting on February 27, 2025, highlighted significant progress and challenges regarding the restoration of the historic water tower. The committee received an update on the project, which aims to ensure the tower's roof meets high historical standards while remaining aesthetically pleasing and durable.

The discussion began with a recap of previous meetings, where the CPC emphasized the importance of using historically accurate materials for the roof. Initial bids suggested an asphalt roof, which was deemed inappropriate since asphalt shingles were not available when the tower was built over a century ago. Following this guidance, project leaders sought a qualified historical roofing contractor but faced delays due to weather conditions and scheduling conflicts.

After the initial contractor declined to bid, the team pivoted to consulting with architectural historians. They engaged Wendy Frontiero, who connected them with Brian Pfeiffer, an experienced architectural historian. Pfeiffer recommended Dennis Semperbon, a local expert in historic restoration, who expressed interest in the project. Semperbon's initial site visit is anticipated in early March.

The committee acknowledged that the project's costs would likely exceed the previously estimated $20,000, but they remain optimistic about managing expenses effectively. The goal is to complete the restoration before Southborough's tricentennial celebration in 2027, ensuring the tower is a proud symbol of the town's history.

In closing, the committee discussed the potential need for additional funding to cover Semperbon's consulting fees, estimated at around $750 for a few hours of research. The CPC expressed a commitment to ensuring timely payment for any consulting work to avoid delays in the project timeline. The meeting underscored the community's dedication to preserving its historical assets while preparing for a significant milestone in its history.