The Path Forward-Farley Building Community Center

This story first appeared in the June 2024 issue of The Positively Hollis Post.

By Liz Barbour
At the annual town meeting in March, Hollis residents approved $300,000 to advance the Farley Building Community Center (FBCC) project, marking a new phase in its development. To provide insights into the bid management package released in May, I spoke with Lynn Schur, a fellow member of the FBCC Committee. Lynn has extensive experience as an architectural designer and project manager, having worked on the Lawrence Barn and other town building committees.
Lynn explained, “The Farley Building Community Center Committee issued a Request for Proposal (RFP)  in May from architectural firms to develop a complete design package. The architectural firm selected will take the concept design as presented at the Town Meeting and develop a schematic design package. In this phase, the architect and consultants will further develop and refine the design in collaboration with the Committee by producing plans, elevations, and crucial building sections and securing regulatory approvals.  In the next phase, Design Development, the engineering will commence on structure, plumbing, electrical, heating/ventilation, fire protection, energy analysis, and other project systems. Material and finishes selection is also included in this phase such as windows, doors, fixtures, and equipment. The final deliverables will be the construction documents with complete dimensioned plans, elevations, sections, details, finish and equipment schedules, and specifications covering the entire building, the addition, and the rehabilitated structure. 

Drawings will include architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, interior design, and other specialties. A budget estimate is to be submitted at each phase of the design process to evaluate the cost of the proposed work and allow for changes to keep the project within budget. Proposed options for integrating sustainable design is also being addressed throughout the design process. Upon completion of all these phases, the town will have what is necessary to put this project, the rehabilitation of the Farley Building, out to bid to general building contractors. The FBCC Committee is optimistic that this work can be completed by early November 2024.” 

While the construction documents are being produced, FBCC Chairman Dave Sullivan continues to solicit and receive commitments from local businesses pledging to contribute to the project through material and in-kind donations. Viking Roofing, Alpine Environmental, Manifest Builders, Pioneer Tree Service, Custom View Landscaping, Daskalos Outdoor Services, and The Doty Group Landscaping have joined the project. To learn more about how your business can join this special group, contact info@farleyforhollis.org.

The FBCC Committee is seeking volunteers to contribute their expertise to the project. To learn more about the project and how you can volunteer visit, www.farleyforhollis.org.