Wellesley Town Hall reopened to the public on Dec. 26 after a renovation that had town employees working for about 18 months out of rental space at 888 Worcester St (route 9 east).
During that time, the historic building was made more accessible and sustainable, with modern, functional space for Town offices, and replacement of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The overall construction cost topped $20 million, including for temporary relocation and other expenses.
The 24,000 square-foot, two-story building is listed on the National Historic Register and is one of Wellesley’s iconic sights. The east side, completed in 1883, was built as a library, and the west wing for offices and meeting space was completed in 1885.
We popped in briefly, and can share that Town Hall is still Town Hall. Many architectural elements have been retained. The ceilings in the Great Hall still soar, and the beams and coffered ceiling remain exposed. The biggest visible modern touches include the glass throughout. Many office interiors, such as Veterans’ Services, are no longer behind solid closed doors. Instead, a wall of glass leaves that office space visible to passersby.
New lighting has been added throughout, industrial carpeting muffles sound, and single-user restrooms on each floor are all-gender.
Not every area is quite ready for influencers to sweep in and photograph—there are still packing boxes in corners here and there, and punch-list items to check off.
The interior Town Hall renovation included exterior work as well most noticeable in front, where a ramp has been installed and the bell has been moved.
Town offices that are back at 525 Washington St.
- Assessor’s office
- Finance office
- Human Resources office
- Parking Clerk
- Town Clerk’s office
- Treasurer’s office
- Select Board office
- Veterans Services
Town offices remaining at 888 Worcester St.
- Building Department
- Natural Resources Department
- Planning Department
- Zoning Board of Appeals
Get involved in Town Hall’s interior appearance
As residents, staff, and visitors return to this historic building, the Select Board has created a Town Hall Art Working Group to make recommendations on artwork and artifacts to display throughout the interior of Town Hall.
Residents and Town leaders are invited to be part of this working group. Meetings will begin in January to discuss and review existing art and artifacts, working closely with Town staff and Select Board members.
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