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Council approves feasibility study to assess Odd Fellows (32 Commons) and Fire Barn (30 Commons) for senior and community space
Summary
The Little Compton Town Council approved an architect’s proposal to perform existing-conditions surveys, fire-and-life-safety reviews and a structural assessment of two commons buildings, adding language to address historic-preservation requirements; the study cost is capped at $2,125.
The Little Compton Town Council voted to approve an architect’s proposal to study two Commons buildings — the Odd Fellows Hall (32 Commons) and the former fire barn (30 Commons) — to document existing conditions, identify fire- and life-safety deficiencies, and produce preliminary feasibility recommendations for adaptive reuse.
Architect Melissa Hutchinson presented a phased plan that she said would include measured “as-built” drawings, a fire-and-life-safety code review, a structural assessment using a structural subconsultant where needed, and a preliminary feasibility plan with high-level contractor cost estimates. Hutchinson described the work as “information gathering” to show options for potential uses, including a dedicated senior space, and to give the town numbers to consider before the annual financial town meeting.
The council added explicit language requiring the study to identify any historic-preservation requirements and to consult existing state historic documentation. Resident Larry Anderson urged the council to account for the buildings’ listings on the state and national historic registers and to involve the Rhode Island Historic Preservation Commission where statutorily required. Hutchinson, who said she has previous experience on historic adaptive-reuse projects, agreed to include research on recorded historic elements and to factor that into her recommendations.
Hutchinson told the council the fee would be capped at $2,125 and outlined the five principal steps: (1) measure and document existing conditions, (2) a fire-and-life-safety code review showing egress, occupant loads and code deficiencies, (3) a cursory structural review followed by more detailed investigation if needed, (4) preliminary feasibility options, and (5) a final recommendation with contractor ballpark pricing for budgeting.
Council discussion emphasized the need to balance deferred-maintenance and code work with community needs for senior programming. Members also noted that Odd Fellows Hall’s upstairs remains closed to the public after a state fire marshal action; Hutchinson and others said the study would clarify what repairs are needed to reopen spaces for assembly use.
The motion to approve Hutchinson’s proposal with the inclusion of historic-preservation language was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.
The council directed Hutchinson to begin work promptly so the results can inform the town’s budget deliberations and the annual financial meeting timeline.
