Rescheduled Eckersley-Hall School Building Doubleheader Tomorrow

NOTE: THIS IS A REPRINT OF AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN ADVANCE OF THE JANUARY 26TH PLANNING AND ZONING AND DESIGN REVIEW AND PRESERVATION BOARD MEETINGS. THE TWO MEETINGS WERE BOTH RESCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW, FEBUARY 9TH. DRPB MEETS IN ROOM 208, AND P&Z IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
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The proposal to convert the historic Eckersley-Hall public school building into a senior center and municipal offices will be considered tomorrow, for the second time by the Design Review and Preservation Board, and for the first time by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Eckersley-Hall was completed in 1929, to replace an earlier school building that burned in March of 1928. It was named for Herbert Eckersley and Fred Hall, both former residents of the Durant neighborhood, and both killed in the last 8 months of World War I.

The architect Tom Arcari prepared a plan to renovate the building for its proposed uses, and to provide handicapped access. City Planner Bill Warner said in an email to The Eye that the Design Review and Preservation Board gave conceptual approval at their December 29th meeting, although MiddletownPatch reported that they had significant concerns about the proposed new entrance. Warner said suggested changes were incorporated into new plans. The Board will have an opportunity to discuss these revisions at their meeting tonight (5:30, Room 208).

The Planning and Zoning Commission will review the application for a special exception, under the adaptive historic reuse provisions of the Zoning Code, for the proposed new uses of the building. Planning and Zoning meets at 7:00PM in Council Chambers on Wednesday evening.

The application includes a letter from Mayor Giuliano, in which he pledges that "...the City of Middletown fully intends to restore and maintain the exterior of 61 Durant Terrace in accordance with its original historic design."

The application also states, "city will permanently preserve the 1938 WPA mural and allow public viewing," preserve unique fireplace tiles, and incorporate the original chalkboards, hardwood floors, built in cabinets and other features into the municipal offices on the second floor.