WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Community Center project has an architect.
During its meeting on June 25, the Select Board voted to authorize Town Manager Kristi Williams to negotiate a contract with BH+A, an architecture firm based in Boston.
The selection was made after bids were opened on June 18, and interviews with the top three prospects occurred on June 25.
Select Board member Ian Johnson cited the firm’s work with facilities around the area, including the Fairbank Senior Center in Sudbury; the Worcester Boys & Girls Club; and the Sharon Community Center.
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He said that community engagement will begin sometime in July. Input from these sessions will be presented at fall Town Meeting.
In a related move, the board voted to release about $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds, meant for two Westborough Youth & Family Services projects, back to the town; $45,000 of these funds will go toward the community center’s owner’s project manager, CHA Consulting.
About the building
The building at 1500 Union St. was constructed in 2007.
The future community center building includes 31,000 square feet on the first floor, and 32,500 square feet on the second floor. Amenities include a basketball court and pool (currently drained).
Current plans call for the Westborough Recreation Department to move into the second floor and to relocate the senior center to the first floor.
For the 2025 fiscal year, the costs are estimated at $431,969 for operating expenses; $770,000 for debt service. Expenses would include salaries for a coordinator and custodian, maintenance and utilities.