BTGA was engaged by the Town of Bristol to assess the historic Walley School and provide a feasibility study to determine needed upgrades and programming potentials to allow the School to be used as a fully functioning building for the Town and/or leased to tenants yet to be determined. The recommended improvements were classified into building stabilization repairs, base renovations to bring the building up to a rentable state, and long term renovation to improve the building over time, based on the intended use.

The recommended improvements were classified into building stabilization repairs, base renovations to bring the building up to a rentable state, and long term renovation to improve the building over time, based on the intended use. The recommended alterations included repaving and striping the parking lot and changing the circulation to a one-way pattern around the building. Structurally, repairs were needed to stabilize the stairs. Full mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and plumbing upgrades were required to meet current codes. Window and door repairs were needed to reduce the water infiltration that is damaging the building. Internally, patching and repair of damaged plaster walls and ceilings were recommended throughout. Recommended renovations included new lavatories and relocating the main entrance to make the building the most usable for any end user.

In 2018, BTGA was hired to reprogram the building into the new town hall. An extensive code assessment was done to design a space that was functional for the unique program and addressed building, fire, and ADA requirements without sacrificing its historical beauty. The program will be a combination of previously separated usergroups in need of combining public and private services into one space. We carefully interviewed usergroups and determined synergies that would make the floor plan efficient and compliment each of their needs. The interior design strived to incorporate historically appropriate details and save unique elements of the existing building like moldings, wood floors, and old chalkboards. Security was a primary concern of the Town. We carefully reviewed circulation flow and delineation of public and private spaces. The Town is currently seeking funding for the renovation.