Architects outline interior design, finish samples and schedule for Howell multi‑generational center

Adriana Ramachotti, a recent hire at BH+A, presented the firm’s room-by-room interior design and finish proposals for the Howell Multi‑Generational Building at the committee’s July 17 meeting. Ramachotti described proposed finishes, lighting and acoustics for the reception, multipurpose room, flex spaces, offices and restrooms, and invited committee members to review physical samples on a back table.

The presentation centered on a warm palette with wood trusses and coordinated luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and carpet tiles. "We are proposing a solid wood cove lighting around that ceiling," Ramachotti said, describing a lowered ceiling at the entrance intended to create a "gathering and cozy space." She described acoustic wall panels, a darker LVT band to help organize seating in the multipurpose room, and low‑contrast accents intended not to create visual problems for older users.

BH+A’s Jeremy (BH+A representative) gave a project schedule update: the design development (DD) drawing set was due to be completed the next day and would go to the cost estimator, with an updated cost estimate expected within about a month. "Our DD drawing set is gonna be completed tomorrow. That's gonna go to our cost estimator. So we'll have a cost estimate within a month," he said. He also said PAR’s permitting set was nearly ready, test pits had been dug, and that PAR would file for site review and permitting next week.

Committee members discussed material choices, contrast levels (noting concerns about strong contrasts for seniors and people with seizure disorders), AV approach and gallery/display options. One committee member suggested a patterned floor in the half‑circle reception area and a wood face for the reception desk. Members asked that AV equipment be flexible and not permanently obstructive: the group favored movable projection or display systems so AV failures would not leave a fixed obstruction in the room.

Ramachotti walked through room‑specific details: a neutral, textured palette for restrooms with rough porcelain floor tile for slip resistance; a backsplash and two‑tone cabinetry in the flex room for maintenance and durability; and coordinated accent colors (yellows, burgundy, green) across adjacent rooms to communicate activity zones. She also noted the multipurpose room would include two perimeter audio‑visual displays.

BH+A recommended follow‑up meetings with town staff to resolve technical items. Jeremy said he would circulate a list of open issues and schedule targeted meetings with town IT and facilities staff, and suggested including Mark and Scott Gibbs from town staff where appropriate. Linda and Jeff agreed to disseminate drawings and samples to the committee when the DD set is issued.

The committee approved minutes from its July 1 meeting by voice vote before the presentation. The meeting adjourned after the presentation and subsequent business.

Next steps listed in the meeting record include BH+A delivering the DD drawings (due the next day), a cost estimate within approximately one month, and PAR filing permitting documents early the following week. The presentation materials and physical samples will be distributed to committee members for review.