NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Thursday was moving day at Harriman & West Airport as the new administrative building was shifted 150 yards onto its new foundation parallel to the runway. 

 

A crew from Wolfe House & Building Movers of Bernville, Pa., had lifted the two-story building off its original pad and onto a motorized trailer for the short hike around the corner. 

 

The 20-year-old building had housed a medical practice and was constructed on land leased from the airport. The practice, which had come under the umbrella of the former Northern Berkshire Healthcare, moved several years ago to the main campus of the former hospital. The building was donated to the city by Berkshire Health Systems, which did not have a need for it after acquiring NBH's assets. 

 

The gaining the structure was a lucky break for the airport, which had planned on building a $4 million contemporary terminal several years ago. Harriman & West had been found to be among 17 airports in the state with deficient administrative buildings.

 

The funding was to come largely from the Aeronautics Division of the state Department of Transportation. North Adams was designated to be award the funds in a second round of grants but the funding dried up at that time. Last year, the Airport Commission proposed revamping the medical practice, which will be funded through MassDOT. 

 

The structure will contain administrative offices and a small public restaurant, although that will be slightly larger than the previous version with 62 seats. The second floor will also hold offices, storage and mechanicals. 

 

The total cost of the move and renovation is $3.6 million. Officials are hoping it will bring more attention to the airport by providing an area for residents and visitors to gather. 

 

The move took about two hours and drew a crowd of onlookers despite the frigid cold. One electrical line had to be moved but no traffic was affected. DA Sullivan & Sons was awarded the contract to transform the structure. 

 

See more photos from the move here; a live feed from the first part of the move available here.