Submitted
The Millicent Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation independent of the Town of Fairhaven, is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the historic, town-owned building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, at 45 Center Street, Fairhaven.
Electric Upgrade Completed
Late this past summer, the Millicent Library completed a $468,000 electrical upgrade, made possible through the support of the Fairhaven Community Preservation Committee (CPC). The project addressed numerous electrical code violations, relocated panels from egress including stairways, and replaced aging components that posed safety risks with potential fire hazards.
As part of the upgrade, the building’s electrical service was expanded from 400 amps to 800 amps to support modern operations and future improvements, including the planned installation of a new central cooling and ventilation system.
Throughout February and March, crews from Levangie Electric Company of Hanover installed new electrical panels, including a main distribution panel, and ran new conduits to relocated and replaced panels. The work also included adding emergency lighting and fire alarm smoke detectors at each panel location.
To minimize disruptions to public service, the team used the April 21 holiday closure to energize the new system. During this scheduled power shutdown, workers transferred service from each panel and began safely demolishing the old ones.
The upgrade project was managed by GGD Consulting Engineers of Dartmouth.
This upgrade marks a critical step toward the library’s HVAC modernization project, which will replace the aging furnace and add much-needed cooling. In recent summers, extreme heat forced the library to close several times due to unsafe and uncomfortable indoor conditions.
The Millicent Library’s electrical system has come a long way since the building’s original construction. In December 1891, the Fairhaven Star reported:
“The electricians and gas fitters are finishing up their work. There will be two independent circuits in the building, the four cables or feed wires of which each contain 20 copper wires. The rooms may be lighted by one of these if the other should be deranged.”
Funding for this project was made possible by the Fairhaven Community Preservation Committee through the Community Preservation Act (CPA). This act serves as a crucial tool in preserving our town’s open spaces, historic resources, land for recreation, and community housing.
The Millicent Library extends its sincere thanks to the Fairhaven Community Preservation Committee for its continued support and to the community for their patience and understanding during the project.
HVAC Schematic Design Phase Begins
In September, the Millicent Library selected NV5 Planning & Design of Andover to complete the schematic design for a new, energy-efficient HVAC system tailored to the library’s historic building. Torrey Architecture of Boston will serve as the historic architecture consultant for the project.
Both NV5 and Torrey Architecture bring extensive experience with historic and landmark properties, including buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Their past work includes the Peabody Institute (Public) Library, City of Chicopee City Hall, and the City of Melrose Memorial Hall. Other notable projects include the Lincoln (MA) Public Library, Brown University’s Rhode Island Hall, the Massachusetts State House, and the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building in Boston.
During this schematic design phase, the team will document existing conditions through site investigations and 3D laser scanning, evaluate system options, and develop a conceptual plan that enhances comfort and energy efficiency while maintaining the building’s historic integrity. The schematic design will guide the next phase of detailed engineering and construction planning.
The planned HVAC system will replace the library’s aging furnace and introduce building wide cooling and fresh air for the first time. In recent summers, the library has been forced to close several times due to high indoor temperatures. These upgrades will allow for temperature and humidity control, helping protect the library’s historic collections and provide a more comfortable environment for patrons and staff year-round.
The Millicent Library is grateful for the ongoing support of the Fairhaven Community Preservation Committee which is providing funding for this project.
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