Renovations at the new home for Harvard’s senior center and Council on Aging on Lancaster County Road will soon be complete, pending delivery of a few items that have been delayed by the supply chain problems that have plagued the country since COVID-19 began. Nevertheless, COA Director Debbie Thompson said the new center could open in mid-April if the components arrive soon.
When the Press toured the building Feb. 17, kitchen cabinets had been installed, bathrooms were complete, and workers were installing new Corian window sills and painting trim. Kitchen appliances were delivered Feb. 21, three days ahead of schedule.
Kyle Lagarto, project manager with Classic Construction, told the Press the remaining work includes hanging all the doors and installing door hardware, replacing the ceramic tiles in the vestibule with carpet tiles (for safety), and finishing work on the divider between the multipurpose rooms. The original design had one large multipurpose room that could be divided into two smaller spaces. But Thompson said the location of the building’s mechanical systems prevented installation of the type of divider that would have made that design work. Instead, there will be a wall with glass double doors between the large and small rooms.
Lagarto said his company’s contract expires March 31, and all work is expected to be completed by then, pending delivery of the electrical panel and the energy recovery ventilators, which bring fresh air into the building. Thompson told the Press shipping dates on those components continue to slip, and as of now, there is no firm delivery date. She said she won’t schedule the move until the completion date for the building is known.
Both Thompson and Cindy Russo, chair of the Permanent Building Committee, agreed the job has gone smoothly. Russo told the Press the contractor and architect have been great, and the COA has been very flexible when issues arise. “The town should be proud of this project,” she said.
Kyle Lagarto, project manager for Classic Construction, shows off the kitchen at the new senior center, which will feature far more storage and counter space than Hildreth House. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
