North Providence Old Town Hall Conditions Assessment Report

Executive Summary: "in the spring of 2020, at the request of the North Providence Historic District Commission (NPHDC), Brewster Thornton Group Architects, LLP (BTGA) produced this Conditions Assessment and Historic Structures Report (HSR) for the North Providence Old Town Hall building located at 2226 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, Rhode Island, built in 1879. BTGA has concluded that the building structure remains remarkably sound, but the enclosure has condition issues that allow moisture and air infiltration which is slowly degrading the building's interior finishes and will eventually cause structural damage. We recommend that certain safety and moisture intrusion problems be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further degradation. The NPHDC through the North Providence Purchasing Agent selected BTGA to assess the existing conditions of the structure in order to better understand the scope and cost of a restoration project to address current issues. BTGA worked with a group of local volunteers, town officials, and members of the Rhode Island Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission to research the history of the Town and develop this report. The BTGA work goes beyond the NPHDC assessment conducted on November 24, 2018 and addresses issues of deterioration in all building components. This reports includes: 1) exterior conditions including, but not limited to building facades, roofs, windows, doors, exterior lighting, and safety issues; 2) interior conditions including, but not limited to walls, floor and ceilings, lighting, stairs, and bathrooms; 3) structural conditions; 4) prioritized recommendations for improvements to remedy deficiencies; and 5) a summary of costs associated with the recommendations. Safety issues identified were very minor, given the current unoccupied nature of the building, and can be addressed for around $8,000. Recommended work within the next 5 years to stabilize the exterior shell and correct conditions contributing to deterioration, such as re-grading, painting, window restoration, and roof replacement, are estimated to cost about $363,000. After that major effort, recommended work that can be delayed 6-10 years, such as basement foundation interior parging, total about $132,000. Another $200,000 of optional improvements, such as air conditioning, were also identified that can be done if funds are available." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (grant number P19AF00029).

North Providence Old Town Hall Conditions Assessment Report

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