The American Legion, Department of Veterans Services Secretary Francisco Urena and DCR Commissioner Carol Sanchez celebrated the start of construction on Thursday.

ADAMS, Mass. — The nearly two-year restoration of the Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower at the summit of Mount Greylock has begun.

 

On Thursday, state officials recognized the renovation that will repair water damage and upgrade the interior spaces with a ceremony. Department of Veterans Services Secretary Francisco Urena said the $2.3 million project restores honor to the tower.

 

"The work on the memorial tower will bring back character, return elegance in the state's war memorial, and return it to a condition that better reflects the symbolism and its significance. The Greylock War Memorial tower will once again stand proud and strong, shining the light of loyal service to the commonwealth's sons and daughters forever in memory of those lost," Urena said.

 

The 93-foot tall tower was constructed in 1932, opening the next year, to memorialize the state's casualties in World War I, and, later, those killed in other conflicts. It was renovated in the 1973 after being closed for 11 years, and more repairs were done in the 1990s. Two years ago, water infiltration forced its closure again. 

 

The tower will undergo reconstruction through the use of $800,000 from the federal government, $400,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, and $1.4 million from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Repairs.

 

"It will be a $2.3 million investment of desperately needed improvements," said DCR Commissioner Carol Sanchez. 

 

She said the work entails repairs to the ventilation system, resealing of joints, new dehumidification systems, improved access, full repair of the interior finishes, new light fixtures for the beacon, and the addition of interpretive exhibits.

 

"We will fulfill our mission to bring back the glory of the War Memorial," Sanchez said. 

 

Mount Greylock is the state's first park and the Commonwealth now boasts 9th largest parks system in the country. In recent years, some $21 million was spent to renovate the roadways to the summit. Bascom lodge was renovated and new exhibits were installed. For $1.5 million, the visitor's center at the base was completely renovated.

 

Secretary Urena was one of three speakers at the ceremony.

North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright said the mountain is an "important economic and recreational asset" for the county. But more importantly, he said, it recognizes the state's veterans. When he looked at the inscription on the side of the monument, he said loyalty and sacrifice were the words that stood out to him.

 

"This monument and this mountain is a true symbol of those words," Alcombright said.

 

Allegrone Construction Inc. was awarded the contract for the work and Urena and Sanchez were both given tours of what is now a fenced-off construction site. Inside, work had already begun and company officials outlined the plans.

 

"I'm very impressed with the detailed work that will go here," Urena said. "Now we're able to tell a story. The veterans have a memorial here for them."

 

The American Legion also joined in the ceremony, flying flags, leading the crowd of about two dozen in the Pledge of Allegiance, and ending with taps. 

 

"Today the commonwealth rededicates itself to our commitment to honoring the service of our sons and daughters who to today continue to defend this great nation," Urena said.

 

The tower is expected to reopen in spring 2017.