Hopewell Borough Mayor Paul Anzano has scheduled a groundbreaking celebration to mark the kickoff of construction and improvements to the former Masonic Hall, 88 E. Broad St., the site of the new Hopewell Borough Hall. The event will be held on Feb. 12, rain or shine, from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
”For nearly 20 years, Hopewell officials have worked to identify a proper solution to our administrative, municipal court and community needs, “ said Mayor Anzano. “The current Borough Council and the councils before it have worked tirelessly to resolve the town-hall issue dominated by accessibility needs and adequate office space. We look forward to serving the community in the new facility in an inclusive way, and to open the doors for community events and services that we’ve been unable to offer previously,” he added.
The mayor said he hopes for a large turnout at the event and encourages residents and community stakeholders to attend. “This is the peoples’ building,” said the mayor. “As exciting as the groundbreaking will be, we’ll also look forward to the grand opening, the day the doors to the future finally open.”
The construction project for the new Borough Hall was publicly bid last fall and a contract was awarded to Dandrea Construction Company of Marlton, in the amount of $1,460,800, which also includes the relocation and installation of a water treatment vault currently in use on the site.
The project scope involves converting the 1950s-era former Masonic Temple into a new Borough Hall, with alterations made to the existing two-story, 6,540-square-foot masonry building.
Work includes the entire replacement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, new bathrooms, a courtroom, and borough offices. Existing windows and doors will be replaced and the front porch and main entrance area will be repaired and improved. An 800-square-foot addition will be located on the rear of the existing building and house the elevator and egress stairs. Construction is expected to last approximately eight months.
Mayor Anzano and Hopewell Borough Council will be joined Saturday by members of the project team, including the project manager, architect, engineer and construction contractor, to celebrate the construction start. Invited guests include U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, former Hopewell Mayor David Nettles, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders, county clerk, Sen. Shirley Turner, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora and Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.
For more information, contact Michele Hovan, borough administrator at 466-2636 or by e-mail at [email protected].
