Wright Tavern update: $521,000 NPS grant plus other funding to support repairs and accessibility work

Representatives updated the Town of Concord Historical Commission on progress at Wright Tavern, reporting that stabilization and structural repairs are complete and that the property now has a certificate of occupancy. The project team said it updated photographic documentation requested by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and is preparing a site plan for the historic building.

The presenter reported receiving a National Park Service grant of approximately $521,000 to cover three principal projects: exterior repair and painting, installation of a concealed fire suppression system, and plumbing/sewer work to tie the building into town systems. The team also reported a Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) grant of $150,000 and a Lynn Foundation contribution of $130,000 as matches supporting roughly $300,000 in design and accessibility work, including a proposed new entrance, a catering/kitchen refreshment center and adjustments to six doorways to meet ADA standards.

Commissioners asked for standard photographic documentation for all floors, including Second and Third Floor overviews, and requested more detail about changes made during structural stabilization (replaced beams, basement brick wall repairs). The presenter said some historic fabric was encapsulated during required structural repairs and that the team plans to bring detailed plans and designs to the commission at a future meeting. Staff and commissioners discussed timelines, grant award periods (NPS funds must be used by July 2027), and coordination with specialists for sensitive interventions such as concealed fire suppression.