What's Going On at the old Town House? February & March 2016
February 10, 2016 - Day 1: Heritage Commission Chairperson Kim Baker (right) meets with preservation architects Chris WIlliams (left) and Norm Larson (center) to begin the process of assessing the building's condition. This assessment is funded by a $4,000 NH Preservation Alliance Grant and donations.
While examining the interior, architects Chris Williams (far left) and Norm Larson (far right) point out ceiling issues to Commission Members Kim Baker and Dave Reilly
What will architect Norm Larson find? As part of assessing the building's condition, he examines every nook and cranny, inside and out.
Architect Norm Larson scrutinizes the building's exterior, which has peeling paint, damaged siding and some wood rot.
Commission Chairperson Kim Baker shows architect Norm Larson old septic holding tanks. New septic, toilets, running water and electric will be needed.
Architect Norm Larson takes some additional measurements and notes before calling it a day.
February 19, 2016 - Day 2: Architect Norm Larson (left) questions structural engineer Joel Fisher, PE about the building's interior. They are standing in front of the Waterman-Waterbury Heater, the best known heater for rural schools in the early to mid-1900s.
To asess the building's structural integrity, structural engineer Joel Fisher starts at the very top...
...With architect Norm Larson right behind...
...And continues to the very bottom. But can he get underneath the building?
(left to right) Fire Department student intern Xavier Marte, architect Norm Larson, Heritage Commission chairperson Kim Baker and structural engineer Joel Fisher try to find access to underneath the building. No luck - unless you are almost as tiny as a mouse!
A special "thank you"to the Center Harbor Fire Department and student intern Xavier Marte for coming to our rescue by lending us the ladder.
March 2, 2016- Day #3: Architect Norm Larson ponders whether parking can be accessed from Waukewan Road through the woods behind the Town House.
Structural engineer Joel Fisher assesses how level the building is and how much it has moved.
Architect Norm Larson returns inside for some final measurements and summary notes.
March 5, 2016: Architects Norm Larson and Chris Williams (far end of table) meet with the Heritage Commission to share their preliminary findings and recommendations from the Town House building assessment.
Architects Chris Williams and Norman Larson (from right to left) and Heritage Commission Chairperson Kim Baker listen attentively to the discussion, as the Commission prepares for the March 9th Annual Town Meeting.