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Select Board approves moving forward with Carlton Hall schematic design; schematic estimate presented
Summary
After a 75% schematic presentation by PRA Architects and Vertex (OPM), the board approved advancing Carlton Hall’s design work and public review. The architects flagged basement water infiltration, mold and accessibility issues and provided an early-stage cost estimate; the board directed further design and Old Kings Highway/disabilities committee review.
The Dennis Select Board voted June 16 to move forward with schematic design for the Carlton Hall renovation project and to advance the plan through Old Kings Highway and the Disabilities Committee as part of the town’s plan to bring a funding request to a future town meeting.
Architects from PRA and OPM Vertex presented schematic design work that identified major existing conditions — basement water infiltration and mold, limited accessibility, end‑of‑life mechanical systems and localized asbestos — and proposed a set of focused interventions: perimeter drainage and waterproofing for the basement, enclosed rear stair to prevent weather intrusion, a front slope/access walkway to meet accessibility guidelines and a warming (non‑commercial) kitchen to limit costs.
Schematic costs and schedule: the presenters stated an early schematic hard‑cost estimate of $1,335,271 and soft costs for design/OPM that would be added to produce a final budget for town meeting. The presenters emphasized these are early, schematic‑level figures that include contingency and escalation assumptions and will be refined through design development and the public‑bidding process.
Board direction and next steps: The board approved advancing the design, asked administration to post the schematic materials publicly and directed the project team to pursue reviews with Old Kings Highway and the Disabilities Committee before finalizing construction documents. The board also discussed timing tied to a fall town meeting for funding and the constraints of public procurement that affect how quickly the project can be bid and built.
Why it matters: Carlton Hall is a historic community building used for civic and cultural events; updating accessibility, HVAC and moisture control addresses public‑safety and code needs and can restore public use.
What remains open: detailed construction estimates, final bid numbers and a confirmed funding article for a town meeting — all of which will be presented back to the board once design development and bidding preparations are complete.
