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Northborough Historical Society seeks CPA funds to restore 1860s windows, estimates $331,000 project cost
Summary
The Northborough Historical Society asked the Community Preservation Committee for FY2027 funding to restore 23 original wooden windows and install 15 storm windows at its 52 Main Street building. Presenters named contractor Cleary & Son and estimated a $331,000 project with a 10% contingency and a $5,000 glass line item.
The Northborough Historical Society on Monday asked the Community Preservation Committee to fund restoration of original wooden windows at its 52 Main Street building, telling the committee the work is necessary to preserve a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Michael Pischeno and Paul DeRozho, representing the society, outlined a scope that would remove, refurbish off-site and reinstall roughly 23 double-hung wooden windows and add about 15 storm windows on the first floor. “So we’re looking to restore the existing wooden windows that are there now, 23 of which are double-hung windows, and also the storm windows that are on the first floor,” Pischeno said.
The presenters recommended Cleary & Son of Waltham as the contractor and provided references from prior work. They said the society previously submitted a similar request three years ago and is re-submitting materials after updating the project package and vendor. The presenters told the committee they had a historic-district approval letter from the earlier submission and were seeking to re-up that approval.
On costs, the society provided an estimate of about $331,000 that breaks down to approximately $258,000 for contractor restoration work, $37,000 for new storm windows, a $5,000 line item anticipated for glass replacement, and roughly a $30,000 contingency (about 10%). Pischeno said the estimate anticipates some glass breakage during removal and added that larger, upper-level windows will require staging or interior access to remove safely.
Committee members asked about the project schedule, phasing and whether other bids were solicited. Pischeno said bidders were limited in the prior round and that their team conducted on-site measurements with the recommended contractors this summer. He said the society preferred summer work to avoid disruptions during the group’s heated meeting season and that the contractor agreed to handle staging and related liability.
Committee members also clarified the building’s ownership; presenters confirmed the Historical Society, not the town, owns the building and that prior CPC awards to the society remain subject to a funding agreement because the property is private.
The committee did not take a funding vote Monday; members said they would review the application and supporting materials and continue deliberation at a later hearing date.
