Concord Town Report
1915-1916
Town House
During the year we have utilized the space of the Lower Hall for two office rooms. The Water Department is using one room and we expect the Assessors will occupy the other.
The condition of the present Hall and its limited use allowed by State regulations has claimed considerable attention from the Board, and has quite properly received the criticism of many citizens of the Town. The Board has been aware that something should be done, and many needed small repairs have been put off until some reasonably adequate scheme, as a whole, might be presented. The idea of a new building has been considered, and in so far as the Board is concerned it is believed to be unwise ; as the Town, in its opinion, should not at this time or for some years to come undertake such expenditure as would be required to furnish land and erect a new building such as should be authorized in the event of giving up the present Hall.
The alternative is an addition to the present building, together with changes and repairs of the interior as are reasonably required ; and the Board recommends to the Town a general plan of alterations calling for the addition of about 20 feet to the back of the present Hall, which together with other changes will provide a building adequate for our needs for some years to come, and make a respectable and comfortable meeting place for the Town's people.
The main object of the addition is to provide space for a stage back of and separate from the present Hall, thus complying with the State laws and giving sufficient and convenient stage requirements. In the plan recommended, the space now occupied by the back stairs and the dressing rooms is to be used for a stage, and its equipment is to be complete with asbestos curtain, house curtain, wings, back drop, border lights, footlights, etc., all of this equipment being as required by law.
Immediately back of the stage in the addition are staircases leading down from either side, and back of the stairs two dressing rooms with outside lighted lavatories, connecting with each dressing room.
The main Hall will be larger than at present by the size of the present stage, and the seating capacity of the Hall will thereby be increased. The main Hall is to be rewired for electric lights and new electric fixtures are to be provided. The plaster work is to be properly repaired and the interior newly painted.
Below the dressing rooms is a covered driveway leading from the Bedford Street side to the Court House side. From either end of this drive stairs lead up to a landing on which the stairs open from the dressing room above. The stage and dressing rooms are on a level, and steps just inside the hall lead from the stage level to the main Hall floor.
The present lockup is provided with sanitary conveniences and the present public sanitaries remain where they are now. A woman's
detention room, together with a lavatory, occupies the space in the center of the ground floor.
We feel sure that the proposed addition and changes can be made for a sum not exceeding $25,000. We recommend that this be done, and will have the proper articles inserted in the Town Warrant so that action may be taken at the Annual Meeting.