Bedford Town Hall
Built in 1856 in the Greek Revival style with Italianate influences, the Old Town Hall rises two-and-a-half stories above grade on the Bedford Town Common. Menders, Torrey & Spencer completed a preservation and rehabilitation plan for this local landmark in 1999 and the building underwent exterior restoration in 2000. With the building restored to its historic appearance, public enthusiasm for its reuse grew.
MTS was asked to prepare plans and specifications for rehabilitating the existing structure with new building systems, structural improvements, and a new catering kitchen. A sensitively designed rear addition accommodated an elevator, egress staircase, and accessible restrooms. Site improvements included accessible parking and universal access provided from the street to the new daily entrance. Construction was completed on the rehabilitation and addition in autumn 2004. Today, the building houses the Bedford Center for the Arts on its ground floor. Menders, Torrey & Spencer and the Town of Bedford were recognized when the Bedford Old Town Hall received the 2006 Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award for Adaptive Reuse.