2017-04-13-CPC-ATM-rpt (Update #2)

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ARTICLE 10 (i) Project: Munroe School Window Restoration CPA Category: Historic Resources Amount Requested: $675,000 Amount Recommended: $675,000 CPC Vote: (8-0) Project Description: The 2016 Annual Town Meeting authorized $30,000 for the purpose of producing recommendations and cost estimates for the replacement or functional restoration of all windows at the former Munroe School Building. This FY18 request seeks funds to restore the current windows, based on the recommendations of the study. Restoration of the existing windows was shown to be less expensive than installing replacement windows. The 117 windows in the facility are believed to be original to the 110 year-old Town-owned building (rented and maintained by the Munroe Center for the Arts) or at least to the time of its 1915 addition. The windows are in poor condition and air infiltration makes the building uncomfortable in the colder months and significantly decreases the building's energy efficiency. The large windows are also difficult to operate and pose safety risks. The window restoration will be overseen by the Department of Public Facilities. The Munroe Center for the Art's agreement with the Town does not assign responsibility for capital projects. Nevertheless, the Center has paid for past projects and now requests CPA funds for the windows because this project exceeds its financial capabilities. Since the time of the original FY18 request, the Munroe Center for the Arts was notified that the scope of the planned window restoration necessitated partial accessibility upgrades to the building. The CPC recommends an additional amount (not to exceed $55,000) for the total project which will allow for those accessibility concerns to be addressed and for the window restoration to take place as planned. The accessibility upgrades will address building access from the back entrance and renovate an existing bathroom to make it handicap-accessible. The total project cost has increased from $620,000 to $675,000. Project Goals and Objectives: • Restore all existing windows at the Munroe School in order to prevent heat loss, improve safety and functionality and preserve the architectural integrity and historical significance of the building; and • Address partial building accessibility issues triggered by the scope of the window restoration project. Project Benefit: The Munroe Center for the Arts is an historic building located near Lexington Center and a major cultural resource for town residents. Approximately 1,180 people, mostly children and youth, subscribe to its programs on an annual basis. This project will ensure restoration of an 4