Renovations begin at Parma Town Hall

Renovations are underway at the Parma Town Hall that will add space, increase usability and create a more defined entranceway. The $231,000 project is scheduled to be completed within the next four months.

The renovations, which are being done by NH Architects, at 2099 West Ridge Road, call for several changes to the existing facility. The plan includes adding a 1,200 square feet lobby, expanding the town clerk’s office by 200 square feet, adding a 100 square feet historian’s office with a matching display area, adding a new face to the building’s entranceway with an arched roof and improving handicap accessibility.

Roger Langer, an architect with the firm, said the goal of the project is twofold. "The goal is to create a stronger identity of entry to the building, while creating a lobby space where people can congregate," said Langer.

Steve Fowler, Parma’s director of Recreation and Parks, said one of the biggest challenges with the current facility has been accommodating large amounts of residents when there is a need for them to be gathered in the building, like during traffic court. To help alleviate the congestion they will add on to the lobby area. Fowler said this would also come in handy on days when the traveling licensing bureau makes its weekly visit to the town hall by allowing residents to fill out any necessary paperwork in the lobby area.

The project will also make the town clerk’s office much roomier and allow for significantly greater exposure for the town historian.

"We’re very excited that this will become an ideal work space for the town," said Fowler. The Town Hall will also receive new sidewalks and new door entries. These renovations, which will accent the newly remodeled town hall, were made possible through a $25,000 Community Development Administration grant through the county. "The scope of this project will blend in well with the new entrance way," Fowler said. The first part of the process will involve the demolition of the current entrance and the implementation of a temporary entrance at the far north end of the building.