RAS Announces Plans for Goff Hall Renovation

The Rehoboth Antiquarian Association (RAS) is planning a renovation of historic Goff Hall, according to RAS President Tom Charnecki. The RAS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The main focus of the renovation will be adding new handicapped-accessible restrooms to the main floor of the building.

Goff Hall will be 100 years old next year and is on the register of historic places in Massachusetts. The building is owned and managed by the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society. In addition to housing the Blanding Library (the town’s public library), the hall’s auditorium gets lots of use too, from the Arts in the Village music series to regular contra dances to meetings by a wide variety of community groups.

Although there is a ramp leading up to the front door at Goff Hall for wheelchair access, there is no elevator inside the building. The two restrooms are on the lower level of the building, accessible only by stairs. Also, after hours at the Blanding, people using the hall can only reach the restrooms by going through the library.

The plans for the new addition show that the renovation will be in the back of the building, with not only new restrooms added to the main floor but also a small reading room, along with a storage area on the lower level; both of these new spaces are greatly needed. The new addition will have a new doorway that leads directly outside to a parking area in the rear of the building.

Mr. Charnecki said, “The Goff Hall Facilities Improvement Committee is investigating options for upgrading restroom facilities and access improvements at Goff Memorial Hall and the Blanding Public Library. Through the services of Preservation Architect Diane Evers, they have completed a feasibility study on the options available and have determined the most appropriate alternative that would maintain the integrity of the building, both structurally and historically. All modifications to the building must be in keeping with the architectural elements of the existing building and are subject to approval by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.”

“The committee has developed conceptual drawings and initial cost estimates for these proposed improvements. The committee is pursuing sources of funding for new ADA compliant restrooms and improved access to the children's library. Applications are being prepared for possible funding from various foundations. The Community Preservation Committee has approved the proposed project for handicapped-accessible restrooms for Goff Hall,” Mr. Charnecki said. “The funds for the project will be 50% from the Community Preservation Act Reserve Fund, with money that has been collected through taxes but not yet appropriated, and 50% from the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society, subject to approval at Town Meeting on May 12. There will be an article on the Town Warrant at that time.”

Look for more information on this remodeling project at Goff Hall in the May Reporter. A set of conceptual drawings of the project will be available at the Blanding Library for review. Any questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome and should be directed to RAS President Tom Charnecki, at 774-991-2204 or Library Director Laura Bennett at 508-252-4236.