Progress is unfolding steadily at Easthampton’s Old Town Hall as the long-awaited accessibility improvements take shape. Each week brings visible changes on site, and behind the scenes, careful planning ensures that the project moves forward with precision.

With the installation of the temporary accessible ramp complete, this marks the first tangible step. With that milestone achieved, this past two weeks have been setting the site for the next stage: mobilization of equipment and crews. Around Young World Child Care Center, our neighbor’s entryway, the scaffolding has gone up to protect the site and fencing has been set in place will be installed to support ongoing work. New signage will also be added to existing poles to ensure visibility through the winter months.

On the ground, excavation has begun in earnest. The former handicap ramp has been removed, and the site is being prepared for what comes next. This week, water service adjustments are scheduled, including work on the curb stop, which may take one to several days depending on material availability. Abatement has started around the stained glass windows which will be removed and repaired. More on that soon.

Looking ahead, the week of August 25 will bring the rerouting of the sewer and the installation of helical, specialized deep foundation supports, sometimes called helical piers or screw piles. These are steel shafts with helical blades designed to anchor the new entryway building securely into the ground, customized for Old Town Hall’s unique soil conditions. Once the piles are in place, excavation will continue, paving the way for the next phases of construction.

Step by step, Easthampton’s Old Town Hall is transforming.