By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
MILLSTONE – The Township Committee has approved two change orders as restoration work continues on an historic structure in Millstone Township.
Restoration work is being performed on the circa mid-1800s Clarksburg Methodist Episcopal Church, Route 524, which is the second oldest Methodist church building in Monmouth County. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The building, which no longer functions as a church, was purchased by the township in the late 1990s and had been used as a location for events and programs. Activities there were suspended after structural issues surfaced.
The building’s roof was damaged by tropical storm Irene in 2011 and it sustained foundation issues as the result of water leaking into the structure after the roof was damaged.
Municipal officials awarded a $398,898 contract to Robert Frizell Inc. for structural and roofing improvements to the building.
On Aug. 3, a change order requesting $21,318 in additional work was approved by committee members. The change order increased the total contract amount to $420,216,
On Sept. 7, a second change order requesting $23,954 in additional work was approved by committee members. The second change order increased the total contract amount to $444,170.
Millstone officials will apply to Monmouth County for a matching grant to help cover the $45,272 in increased costs.
Officials said the change orders include the provision and installation of metal joist hangers, the removal and replacement of 8 x 8 timber sill, work on the concrete block foundation in the building’s front vestibule, demolition of the chimney, restoration of the roof and siding, work on the concrete footing in the rear of the building where the altar is located and the repairs for a 6 x 6 corner in the front vestibule.
Officials said some costs associated with the project decreased, among them a change of roof material from white cedar to red cedar.
Pat Butch, the president of the Friends of Millstone Township Historic Registered Properties, said the restoration project at the former church could be completed before the end of 2016.