The Town of Bristol, RI is nationally known for its Fourth of July celebrations. The Town’s rich history is on full display no matter where you go, from the red, white, and blue striped roads, patriotic signage, and American flag-clad homes and businesses. So, it’s no wonder historic preservation is a top priority for the Town. In 2016, BTGA was first hired to begin assessing the historic schoolhouses that line the Town Commons and develop a masterplan to move Town offices to these buildings. The Walley School had been vacant for many years and showing signs of degradation, mostly due to water infiltration. We worked with the Town to test fit multiple programs including studio space for the local art community, relocation of the Town Hall, and a senior center. In 2021, funding was approved for the senior center and construction is planned for the Spring of 2023. The work will include a full restoration of the exterior, careful integration of accessibility, and renovations to the interior space that keep much of the historic schoolhouse layout and materials. Next door, the School Department utilized the Oliver School for their offices. The Town sold the building to allow for needed affordable housing, relocating the School Department to the Reynolds School second floor. BTGA worked with the Town to test fit and phase in other municipal departments, on the lower level as well as plan for future phasing of the second floor when the School Department ultimately moves to the Byfield School across the street. Phased construction is on-going to develop the Reynold School into the future Town Hall, including repurposing the auditorium space into a local meeting room. We continue to work with the dedicated Bristol administration to execute their masterplan and restore these beautiful buildings to their former glory.