Cheshire Board Hires Architects for School Building Reuse Review
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Selectmen will hire EDM architects to conduct an architectural review of Cheshire Elementary School to see what needs to be done to lease the former school building.
After reading a letter from EDM, the board agreed Tuesday to hire the firm for $2,400 to conduct the study.
"I say it's worth it because we can't do anything now," Chairwoman Carol Francesconi said. "It is something that we have to do."
The town wants to lease the building to multiple organizations, however, this would certainly trigger changes in use that would mean the town would have to make improvements to the building to align with state code.
At first, it was thought that this would cost upwards of $50,000, however, EDM already conducted a similar study in 2017 so much of the work is already done.
EDM wrote that the study would include a review of the building code and how it relates to the three possible future uses — daycare, an after-school program, and a fitness class.
EDM would note the requirements and make recommendations to the town.
Selectman Robert Ciskowski noted that even though the survey is affordable what the survey may include may not be.
"These results may be that we are still unable to go anywhere unless we agree to financial projects," he said. "But I think we have to know."
EDM wrote that they will begin their study in one to two weeks and would likely complete it in one to two weeks.
"I think this will be good and it sounds like they can do it very quickly," Ciskowski said. "We are not dragging our feet this is just a new endeavor for us."
Francesconi said she has contacted the interested businesses and organizations.
Funds for the survey will be taken from the school maintenance account.
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