With the help of a private donation, the Bradford City Council chambers are undergoing a series of renovations, but the renovations are taking longer than anticipated.
On Nov. 4, Bradford Mayor Tom Riel estimated that renovations would be complete in two to three weeks. As of Tuesday, Riel estimates that renovations will be completed by the end of the year.
Riel explained that renovations are taking longer than he originally estimated because when the project began, work did not include the third-floor hallway.
All areas of renovation include the council chambers, mayor’s office and third-floor hallway.
To date, the installation of raised panel woodwork is complete. Hennard Construction is now working on the addition of decorative drop ceilings, installing a new lighting system, and replacing the carpeting in all three areas.
The council chambers have not been renovated since the 1960s, and Riel described the council chambers conditions as poor.
“The paint was peeling, the ceiling was crumbling, there were two different lighting systems. The chambers were outdated and in a sad state of disrepair,” Riel said.
Other renovations to be completed include painting the walls and replacing outdated interior furnishings. New furnishings include chairs for council meetings and window treatments.
“City council is very pleased with the work that’s being done by Hennard Construction,” Riel said. “We can’t wait to see the final project — we’re excited to wrap-up and come to completion.”
No taxpayer dollars were used to fund chambers renovations, and shortly after the new year, residents will have the chance to admire the updated rooms.
