Historical commission backs Firehouse Center elevator replacement; presenters say project must start by mid‑February

Representatives of the Firehouse Center for the Arts told the Newburyport Historical Commission on Jan. 8 that their building’s elevator had failed inspection and must be replaced to maintain ADA access to the theater and basement restrooms. The commission voted to approve a letter of support for the center’s CPC application.

Valerie, a representative of the Firehouse Center, said the elevator is more than 30 years old, electronics are failing, and water infiltration has affected the pit. She said Metro Elevator completed engineering design and placed equipment orders, and the group had signed a contract and scheduled construction to start mid‑February with completion in April. "We had an elevator inspection that failed," she said, describing the timing and the urgency for theater and restaurant access.

The presenters listed three contractor quotes, including a $185,000 quote for traditional slate work in a different project and elevator‑project cost estimates; for the elevator project specifically they requested $200,000 from the CPC and noted a possible lower bound of about $160,000 if funding were constrained. Commissioners asked who is financially responsible for elevator repairs in a city‑leased, city‑owned building; presenters said the lease places elevator responsibility with the tenant organization.

After discussion, the commission approved a letter of support to accompany the Firehouse Center’s CPC application.

Next steps: the chair will draft and transmit the commission’s letter to CPC staff prior to the CPC funding decision.