This project ultimately lasted over five years and led to a phased, million-dollar rehabilitation of the iconic building, which had sat derelict for years. The architects faced numerous design challenges, funding obstacles and construction logistics in order to keep the project on task and on budget. Because of lack of care and maintenance over the years, combined with a dozen major building campaigns over the centuries ensured the biggest challenge to the design team were the uneven floors, out-of-plumb dimensions, and countless failed connection points where different elements and materials came together. The architect gave many pro bono presentations throughout the process to secure funding with the help of donations, nonprofit assistance, and grants contributed to free-of-charge. Because of its location, site security was an issue for both theft (copper) and the incessant errant golf balls (hundreds hit the building and/or workers during the project resulting in broken windows, bruised egos, and the necessity of erecting 35’-0” high mesh netting). Through all of this there were very few change orders due to the architect’s responsiveness, the contractor’s ability to adjust on the fly, and because of the thorough historical documentation of the Preservation Plan, which helped anticipate what would be found behind walls and mitigate potential construction surprises.

The building modifications and upgrades on this nationally significant landmark required a complicated balance between preserving the historic integrity of the building while allowing for the advancement of the mission of the Township, the Parks & Recreation Department, the Senior Center, and various nonprofit organizations which all use the building on a daily basis. The architects had to account for the often divergent interests of dozens of organizations and entities. Original estimates by town employees and contractors not skilled in preservation design anticipated a cost of over $4.5 million dollars. Even accounting for Prevailing Wage requirements, the executed work was ultimately accomplished in three phases for approximately 25% of that amount, employing careful architectural planning and execution to minimize cost and mitigate disruptions for the myriad of groups that use the building for meetings and events.