DPW Building Committee reviews new headquarters plans
Department of Public Works Building Committee reviewed preliminary designs for a new headquarters, finding both potential sites have geotechnical constraints. The committee, chaired by Christine Gray-Mullen, heard updates from architects Weston & Sampson and owner's project manager Bob Peirent.
Department of Public Works Building Committee · Meeting of September 16, 2026
AMHERST — Department of Public Works Building Committee reviewed preliminary designs for a new headquarters, finding both potential sites have geotechnical constraints. The committee, chaired by Christine Gray-Mullen, heard updates from architects Weston & Sampson and owner's project manager Bob Peirent. Both candidate sites present unsuitable fill: the current site has 4 to 16 feet requiring removal, while the alternative at 531 Pulpit Hill Road has 2 to 9 feet and faces additional constraints from a nearby pond.
Public commenter Maria Kopicki raised concerns about the estimated 40 million dollar cost, based on preliminary estimates of 600 to 880 dollars per square foot for the 53,000-square-foot facility.
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Source: the Department of Public Works Building Committee meeting of September 16, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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