Jones Library changes up for review by Amherst Historical Commission Thursday

The Jones Library in Amherst. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Published: 08-20-2024 3:28 PM |
AMHERST — Proposed cost-cutting changes for the Jones Library’s expansion and renovation project will be reviewed by the Historical Commission Thursday evening, a final step before advertisements are placed, for a second time, seeking general contractor construction bids.
The commission, which last October approved plans to demolish the 1990s-era addition and enlarge the Jones from 48,000 square feet to 63,000 square feet, is being presented plans again because the 43 Amity St. building is considered a contributing structure to the Downtown Amherst Historic District. The review is also being done under the town’s Preservation of Historically Significant Buildings bylaw and in accordance with sections 3.1 and 3.2 of a preservation restriction agreement between the library trustees and the town.
The meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in virtual format, comes following recommendations from the Design Review Board and approval of revised site plans by the Planning Board. Those plans aim to reduce costs after the town earlier this year received only one general contracting bid, for $42.7 million, that was $6.5 million above estimates. The total project costs have been pegged at $46.1 million.
At the time the Historical Commission approved exterior changes to the 1928 building, those included use of synthetic slate roofing and modern replacement windows. But those are among the so-called “value engineering” changes proposed, with slate-appearing asphalt shingles to replace the synthetic slate, and repairs done to the existing windows instead of replacing them.
Ginny Hamilton, who manages the library project’s capital campaign, said that the Historical Commission is considering two bid alternates, meaning contractors will submit bid prices for both options.
Other cost saving measures, based on the revised plans submitted by Finegold Alexander Architects of Boston and The Berkshire Design Group of Northampton, include removing the roof monitor, or skylight, that had been visible from Amity Street, and scaling back landscaping plans. The changes in landscaping include no longer having Goshen stone benches, eliminating the children’s courtyard and removing the granite cladding on the retaining wall near the Strong House museum, instead replacing that with “a color admixture or future mural by others.”
With minimal interior changes proposed the commission is not going to take up those. Even with cost-cutting efforts, most interior woodwork in the 1928 portion of the building will be left intact, not disturbing the asbestos in the plaster behind the walls. All interior fireplaces will remain in place, as will the main entry stairwell.
In advance of the meeting, the commission has received letters from residents who support the project and those who are questioning it.
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“So many people have worked so hard and so long to see this project come to fruition, and the repair-only option makes no sense financially,” wrote K.C. Conlan of South Amherst. “We owe it to future generations to leave this town better than we found it.”
“Amherst sorely needs an updated and expanded library and we as a town have voted in favor of that,” wrote Ellen and David Bollier of Old Farm Road. “It would be ridiculous to abandon the project after getting one high bid.”
Citing the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s rejection of up to $2 million in historic tax credits for the project, Elissa Rubinstein of Greenleaves Drive writes, “The details of destruction of materials and entire sections of the 1928 building horrified me. It made real the extent of the legacy our town will lose if this project comes to fruition.”
“For the sake of history, please use your power to prevent the Jones Library from being demolished just because it needs a new roof, HVAC system and maintenance program,” wrote Kathleen Carroll of North Amherst.
Meanwhile, in his regular report to the Town Council, Town Manager Paul Bockelman wrote that the town has contracted with Public Archaeology Laboratory of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to consult on the so-called Section 106 historical review for the expansion and renovation, under the National Historic Preservation Act. This is a required step when federal funds are designated.
The act, adopted in 1966, requires federal agencies to consider the effects on historic properties of projects they may be funding. The capital campaign is reimbursing the town for any expenses associated with this community engagement work.
Previously, Library Director Sharon Sharry said that she, Bockelman and Bob Pereint, the town’s special projects coordinator who is now serving as the owner’s project manager, will be involved in the Section 106 process and ensuring information is provided for the federal examination.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.