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Mendham’s ‘Annex’ readied as community hub; grand opening set for May 16
Summary
The Township Committee heard a presentation on the rehabilitated Old Police Station — now called the Annex — which will host Recreation, Historic Preservation and Mendham TV space; organizers said exterior work will be grassroots-funded and a free grand opening will be held May 16 at 1 p.m.
Kylie Bailin, speaking for the Annex (Old Police Station) Subcommittee, described plans to transform the former police station into a flexible community center that will house permanent meeting areas for the Recreation Department, the Historic Preservation Committee and Mendham TV.
Bailin said the facility’s flexible main gathering room will seat up to 32 people and will include movable furniture, display walls for rotating art and historic exhibits, audiovisual and Zoom capabilities and potential live-broadcasting via Mendham TV. The project also envisions outdoor improvements such as walking paths, native-plant gardens, a rain garden and kiosks for community notices.
"The Annex’s mission is to serve as a living center for civic life," Bailin said, describing the vision to blend local heritage with environmental stewardship and community programming.
Committee members and subcommittee volunteers emphasized that no Township funding is requested for the exterior work; instead, organizers plan grassroots fundraising and sponsorships — for example, selling commemorative bricks and benches — and flagged Eagle Scout projects as opportunities to support elements of the outdoor program.
A free grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 p.m., where community groups will host tables to showcase programming ideas and fundraising opportunities. Mayor Neibart and Township staff said logistics and programming details will be coordinated with involved groups ahead of the event.
The presentation included renderings and a description of programming goals; Township members encouraged outreach and partnership with local organizations to maximize use of the space.
The Committee did not vote on funding during the meeting; staff noted operational co‑location for multiple departments and invited continuing community input ahead of the opening.
