The West Windsor Township Council has approved a $5,000 contract increase with Fett & Foran Architects, of Yardville, for continuing renovation work at the old Princeton Junction firehouse on Alexander Road.
The contract increase, approved March 1, was originally awarded in 2007 but that was revised in May, 2008, to increase by $18,500. The new addition of $5,000 for contract administration brings the total contract to $63,000.
According to Business Administrator Robert Hary, “they’re on schedule with construction and hope to be finished either early or on time. We’re very happy with the progress.”
Work began by Dell-Tech Inc. of Trenton in December to transform the 75-year-old former Princeton Junction firehouse on Alexander Road into its new home. The first phase of the project includes a 125-seat performance space, an education space for classes, and a community meeting room-lobby-cafe, with Wi-Fi access. The township awarded a contract for $685,000 to Dell-Tech in October to perform the renovation work necessary to bring the building into code compliance, including plumbing, electrical, and other work.
The remainder of the work in outfitting the facility for the first phase will be funded by the West Windsor Arts Council.
However, Councilwoman Linda Geevers said she was concerned with the inclusion of work related to a SMARTboard, curtains, and a projection screen that was listed on the bill, saying she did not think those items fell under the realm of “code compliance,” and thus, were not the township’s obligations to fund.
“All we’re supposed to do was bring the building up to code,” Geevers said. “I’m seeing other items.”
Hary said the contract extension was for work related to contract administration. Officials are targeting July for the opening of the new facility.
The second phase of construction will convert the fire truck bays into a major exhibit area/gallery with artists’ studios and instructional rooms. That area is still being used by the fire company, including for storage of hazmat equipment.
