Raymond School Renovation
The Royalston Building Committee is thrilled to share an update on our plans to create a new, accessible space for town offices! We've faced some challenges with our current offices at Whitney Hall, which are outdated and require significant upgrades. Additionally, the Select Board in the Town Hall is the only department easily accessible to the public.
Previous Plan
Our initial plan was to renovate the entire Raymond School. However, the cost was projected to be over $3 million due to the need for an elevator and ADA compliance. Funding for this option proved difficult to secure.
New Plan
We've listened to your concerns and come up with a more cost-effective solution. Our new plan focuses on renovating the upper floor of the Raymond School. By concentrating on this single level, we eliminate elevator costs and simplify ADA compliance. We also plan to prep the basement boiler room for town archive storage.
Cost-Effective Solutions
To further reduce costs, we've partnered with the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. They will handle HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work, with the town covering only material costs. DPW staff will complete interior demolition and office framing to minimize expenses. We've also secured a state grant to help fund accessibility updates, including a modern south-side ramp.
The Bottom Line
We're committed to creating the needed office space for under $700,000, significantly less than the initial plan. A warrant article for $699,000 is proposed for the FY25 Annual Town Meeting.
Stay Informed and Join the Conversation
A working group is continuously refining the cost estimates. We understand challenges may arise with hiring firms to assist with the project, and we'll keep you updated on the progress through future announcements.
We encourage you to attend the FY25 Annual Town Meeting on June 8 at 10 am to learn more and vote on this important project. Together, we can create a modern, accessible town office environment that serves all residents effectively!