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Council approves extra $500,000 and authorizes change orders for 2 Lincoln renovation
Summary
The council approved reassigning $400,000 in lot funds and $100,000 from the building maintenance fund to cover additional renovation costs at 2 Lincoln, and authorized the city manager to complete the project and approve change orders up to the identified not‑to‑exceed amounts.
Essex Junction — The Essex Junction City Council voted April 9 to reassign funds and authorize additional spending for the renovation of 2 Lincoln, the city’s municipal building project.
Councilors approved allocating $400,000 from lot funds and an additional $100,000 from the building maintenance fund to cover unforeseen costs discovered during remediation and structural stabilization work. The council also authorized the city manager to complete the renovation and approve change orders and contract amendments up to the identified not‑to‑exceed amounts.
Architect John Alden of Scott and Partners, the project architect, described extensive unexpected structural work discovered after interiors were opened. “They used, in just, you know, the the sloppier construction in there because it's all hidden by the plaster and the lathe... we had to do a lot of reinforcing structurally of the outside walls,” Alden said, adding that reinforcing steel members and upgraded roof and insulation work were necessary to make the masonry walls stable and code compliant. Alden said the work will result in a more energy‑efficient and longer‑lasting building.
Why it matters: Staff and the project team said much of the additional cost follows from discoveries that could not be fully known without exposing historic interior fabric — including deteriorated mortar, thin brick wythes in some places, and older wiring and life‑safety systems that required replacement. Staff told councilors they had performed due diligence, but said buildings of this age frequently reveal additional repairs once work begins.
Funding and schedule The motion approved by the council reallocates $500,000 total to the renovation and authorized the city manager to execute change orders to complete the project. Architects and contractors told the council the current target contract completion is early July (extension days have been granted), but that the date remains subject to change as remaining work is completed.
Public and council comment Councilors and staff emphasized the long‑term benefits of the project — improved insulation, new mechanical, electrical and life safety systems, and the potential to sprinkler more of the building in future — even as they acknowledged the near‑term budget impact. Staff confirmed project documentation and “record drawings” will be provided as-built for future maintenance.
Action taken Motion to assign $400,000 in lot funds and reassign $100,000 from the building maintenance fund to the 2 Lincoln renovation, and to authorize the city manager to complete the renovation and approve change orders and contract amendments as needed: moved and seconded; passed by voice vote (transcript records unanimous assent; individual roll‑call counts not specified).
Ending: Staff said they expect fewer major discoveries ahead and encouraged councilors to tour the site; the council approved the funding reallocation to keep the project moving toward occupancy.
