Architect outlines repairs and sequencing for three historic municipal buildings; RFP issued for construction manager

On July 14, 2026, Kelley DesRoches, Principal at Wiemann Lamphere Architects, presented the firm's assessment of three municipally owned historic buildings: the Pierson Building, Historic Town Hall and Town Offices. DesRoches said her team met with town departments and the Champlain Valley School District, which occupies municipal office space, to identify major priorities including energy efficiency, space planning, roofing, HVAC repairs, water damage mitigation and security upgrades.

DesRoches reported that inflation in the construction industry is increasing costs and that there are schedule and cost savings from completing the three projects sequentially. An RFP for a construction manager has been issued to assist with cost management, scheduling, estimates and constructability reviews before construction. Selectboard member Chunka Mui emphasized the need for a fully functional police space during renovations; Chair Matt Wormser suggested investigating short‑term rented office space to maintain operations. DesRoches also proposed possible public engagement strategies to inform project planning.

The presentation outlined priorities and next steps but did not include final budgets or a financing schedule; staff indicated potential timing and financing will be discussed as the project moves forward.