By Tara Fischer
Staff Writer
Berlin officials reviewed updated plans for the long-anticipated Town Hall renovation this week, with construction documents nearing completion, and the project expected to go out to bid in December.
The Town Hall project will address space concerns and the need for a centralized location for staff, updated safety elements and improve accessibility.
According to Daniele Haley of Haley Architecture, the West Ocean City firm handling the design and engineering aspects of the initiative, the newly renovated building will include a new elevator, new HVAC systems, (seven of the eight existing units are not operating correctly) automatic fire sprinklers, and asbestos and lead remediation.
The work will also include network, security, and fire alarm upgrades, as well as a rework of entrances to improve access for staff and residents during public meetings, and enhancements to the structure’s façade.
Haley said that for the building’s front on William Street, the plan is to make some adjustments, as a result of space reconfiguration. For instance, double doors will be situated in the center of the facility, likely to act as the main entry point for large public meetings.
During citizen comments, Sara Hambury asked if the door relocation was essential, noting that she believes it could be a waste of money. Haley said that while it may not be a requirement, it would offer a sizable egress for open mayor and council assemblies.
“I think the double doors for a large meeting will be the main egress point,” the architect said. “I think the double doors, the fire marshal probably agrees, is a safety thing.”
The façade upgrades may also include updated signage and aesthetic cornice work. While Hambury argued this addition seems to be more of a want than a need, Haley maintained that this decorative aspect of the project is to “restore the historic town hall to how it originally looked,” as the original building used to contain a cornice, fostering the municipality’s commitment to conserving Berlin’s Victorian charm.
Haley will go before the Berlin Historic District Commission on Dec. 3 to seek approval for the façade enhancements.
The town hall project also includes renovating the existing planning and zoning building, which may eventually house the economic and community development department, to be moved from the Berlin Welcome Center at 14 S. Main Street.
Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said that the hope is to centralize staff for further collaboration and ease of servicing.
“It’s easier when we have staff centrally located,” he said. “If we have someone coming in for a new business and needs permits as well as economic development, we’re sending them everywhere. This is to, hopefully, make it easier for folks. You have planning there, economic development here, and finance if needed. Everything is here and available for customers.”
The improvements to the planning and zoning building are not yet finalized. Haley said that they are keeping the intended work as a possible component of the overall town hall project, to be completed only if the budget allows. If the financials shake out, however, the initiative could include the creation of new economic development offices, efficient HVAC units, new lighting, a network upgrade, security and fire alarm upgrades, a new welcome center space, and asbestos and lead remediation.
Tyndall added that the project’s price tag is “speculative,” as the town hall is an old building, so issues are bound to be uncovered. Officials intend to keep the scope of the work at roughly $2.5 million.
“We’re trying to find every grant source that we can and a revenue stream that’s possible to assist with the project,” Tyndall said, noting that Maryland Energy Administration grants may offset HVAC and efficiency costs.
Haley said early contractor estimates suggest the project remains “within striking distance” of the town’s budget. The tentative schedule calls for putting the project out to bid on Dec. 8, awarding a contract in January, and completing construction by next September.