The Permanent Building Committee on Tuesday reviewed preliminary plans for the reuse of the Center School in a public-private partnership between the town and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Town Meeting in May unanimously passed a request for a $600,000 to fund construction bid documents and engineering plans. This funding via the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) allowed a request for proposals (RFP) to move the $10 million project forward.

The HCA recently was awarded project partnership through the RFP process and is expected to raise $4 million of the cost. It now will enter negotiations for a long-term lease with the town.

“It’s a good thing all around,” said chair Dan McIntyre.

Initial schematics prioritize sustainability, accessibility

Local firm Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects (GRLA) presented its concept for the project. The two rear additions will be demolished, while the historic front building’s architecture will be preserved. In addition to HCA programming space, the building will house the town’s Parks & Recreation and Youth & Family Services departments.

Scott Richardson, GRLA’s principal and cofounder, stressed sustainability and accessibility throughout his presentation. He noted that the team received “good feedback” from Parks & Rec and Youth & Family Services that helped to “refine the layouts accordingly.”

As part of the process, the GRLA team also met on-site with the mechanical, plumbing and electrical consultants. The firm also engaged a window restoration consultant that specializes in historic windows.

In addition, the team is also considering window replacement that will promote energy efficiency while maintaining a historic look. Richardson said the current windows are “of varying condition.” But three original window sashes and several storm window panes found in the basement on Monday could be used for repairs because of the wood’s durable quality.

“Having a fully electric building is the goal,” he said, noting that he will meet with the Sustainable Green Committee as the project evolves.

Jeremy Toal, GRLA’s integrated services project manager, specializes in sustainable design. He said “the big question” he has is whether keeping the original windows with storm windows would allow the project to be fully electric.

The Historic District Commission will be consulted, he added.

One key feature shown in the plans is the proposed addition for a lobby space and elevator, Richardson said. The HCA will be able to display artwork there, while the elevator is one element of accessibility in the proposal.

Toal said a ramp at the front door and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk are part of the plan to promote inclusivity. The rear entrance is accessible and leads to an elevator.

McIntyre asked if the lobby could “look more inviting.” He suggested expanding it slightly to accommodate drop-offs and queuing for events. Cost would be a factor, he was told.

Toal said the addition’s facade would have a modern, possibly more textured appearance, to create visual interest.

HCA executive director Kelly Grill added that the lobby should be designed to be “a gathering place for the community.”

“There’s just a lot there that could make it really spectacular,” she said.

Proposed floor plans discussed

The HCA will lease the bottom floor. The plans, which had not been shown to Grill prior to the meeting, show three rooms for art activities. There is also space for a dance room and potential expansion, possibly for a theater.

“This isn’t set in stone yet,” stressed Dave Daltorio, the town’s town engineer/facilities director. “We’ve just got to start the process.”

Grill said she will meet with Daltorio to give her feedback.

Parks & Rec will occupy the main floor. There are several “multipurpose rooms” as well as a public meeting space for town entities and offices for department staff. There will be a family restroom as well as traditional restrooms.

Youth & Family Services will be on the upper floor. Its space will include office space, programming areas, a conference room, a common work area, a kitchenette, a family restroom with a shower and a stacked washer and dryer. These features were requested by the department to accommodate the needs of its clients, according to Toal.

Daltorio said the space will allow for activities such as cooking classes and family-oriented events.

“From our meetings with Parks & Rec and Youth & Family Services, they can expand considerably on their current operations,” he added.

Richardson and CPC chair Ken Weismantel discussed potentially creating a “demolition package” separate from this plan that would include grading. Some demolition work to the existing building would open up space and make the project more appealing to contractors, they agreed. In turn, a competitive bidding situation could occur as a result. Demolition also would alleviate concerns about hazardous materials, according to Weismantel.

The project will be discussed at Thursday’s CPC meeting. The updated designs should be completed in about three weeks. From there, cost estimates can be derived.