City Council discusses $615K restoration for historic building facade upgrades

The Capital Improvement Advisory Committee of Sudbury, Massachusetts, convened on March 24, 2025, to discuss significant funding requests and project updates related to the town's historic preservation efforts. The primary focus of the meeting was a proposal for $615,000 aimed at restoring the historic facade of a designated building, as informed by a recent cultural landscape study conducted by the Historic Commission.

The discussion began with a detailed breakdown of the proposed budget, which includes costs for general requirements, structural work, and the restoration of the building's envelope, specifically the walls, windows, and doors. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining the building's historical integrity while addressing necessary upgrades, including HVAC improvements. A contingency of 5% and a one-year escalation factor were factored into the total request, resulting in a final figure of $616,244.

Committee members raised questions regarding discrepancies in the budget figures, noting a previous spreadsheet that listed the request as $640,000. Clarifications were sought on the definitions of architectural terms such as "envelope" and "facade," with the committee confirming that the restoration would comply with historic district requirements.

The conversation also touched on the specifics of window restoration, highlighting the intention to preserve original wood sashes and frames while replacing any rotted components. The committee confirmed that the project would retain single-pane glass, adhering to historical standards.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to preserving Sudbury's historical assets while navigating the complexities of funding and restoration processes. The next steps will involve further review of the budget discrepancies and continued discussions on the project timeline and implementation.