City approves $2.39 million contract to rehabilitate historic building at 214 N. Union; INDOT to cover half

The Board of Public Works and Safety approved a $2,393,000 goods-and-services contract with Brant Construction on Wednesday for rehabilitation work at the relocated historic building to be sited at 214 North Union.

John Veil, director of public works, said the work includes excavation, poured concrete for a basement to house mechanical systems, coordination with the building mover to set the structure on a proper foundation, and a full rehabilitation to a white-box commercial condition. “The amount of the contract is $2,393,000, and I will point out that this is part of that 50/50 venture with INDOT,” Veil said. “So INDOT will be paying half of that amount. City of Westfield will be paying the other half.”

Veil told the board Brant Construction has experience with similar historic rehabilitation work, including projects at the Benjamin Harrison site and other preservation efforts in the county, and that INDOT is familiar with the contractor’s work. Mayor Willis said preserving the structure, believed to date to the mid‑1800s and described in the meeting as the town’s first commercial building, is a commitment the city has been pursuing for years and urged support for the contract.

Veil said the basement will not provide additional finished square footage but will house mechanical equipment to maximize first‑floor space for future tenants. The city expects the rehabilitated building to create a future income stream but did not provide a timetable or revenue estimates.

The board approved the contract by voice vote. No amendments were recorded at the meeting.