DUNBARTON CENTER BUILDING
COMMITTEE
On the recommendations of the
After soliciting several architectural design proposals,
the DCBC recommended and the Board of Selectmen approved the selection of
Dennis Mires, P.A., The Architect for design
services. Once on board, the design team
worked with the Committee and with library and municipal staff to finalize
space planning and building appearance.
The team also performed necessary building code and Americans with
Disabilities Act (
Final design of the one building concept is shown on the
attached drawings. It includes three
additions to the Town Hall, one each on the north, south and east sides of the
building. The one story north addition
provides adequate space for Town Offices; the one story south addition enlarges
the Library to meet its needs for a growing community; and the two story east
addition is the new main entry, lobby, and access to the second floor. The entire interior of the existing building
would be renovated to install structural, mechanical and electrical upgrades
and to meet space needs and code requirements.
The exterior would continue the existing
architectural style so the building, when completed, would look like it was
built as one. The project would also
incorporate new sidewalks, an expanded parking area and new leach field. Once completed, the new building would be a
commanding structure on the common and would serve town and library needs for
many years to come.
Shortly after the Dennis Mires design firm was selected,
the DCBC solicited proposals for management of the construction phase of the
project. Several firms
submitted proposals and four were chosen to be interviewed. The Committee’s final recommendation,
approved by the Board of Selectmen, was the construction management firm of
Bonnette, Page and Stone Corporation of
During the final phase of the design and cost estimating
process, an opportunity presented itself that the Committee felt deserved a
closer look. The
DCBC representatives were dispatched to meet with the
Owners and tour the site. It became
clear to the Committee that the property had the potential to fulfill an
important role in Dunbarton’s future.
Rather than proceed with presentation of the
“one building” expansion plans and risk losing a rare opportunity to secure 6+
acres in the
In addition to recommending a warrant article for
purchase of the Vaal property, the DCBC also recommends a subsequent warrant
article be presented for funding additional professional design services to
study possible uses of the property in conjunction with the existing Town
Center and to present a plan and price to address Town Office and Library space
needs at a future Town Meeting.
Although the Committee’s original direction was altered,
we consider the change in the best interest of the community and its citizenry.
Respectfully submitted,
DUNBARTON CENTER BUILDING COMMITTEE
Dan Dal Pra Co-chair
Jeff Trexler Co-chair
Chuck Graybill
Nancy Lang
Carl Metzger
Dave Nault
Norman Roberge