Plymouth Memorial Hall Faces $33 Million in Needed Repairs and Upgrades
Town officials present comprehensive renovation plan ranging from essential water damage fixes to full entertainment venue transformation
PLYMOUTH - June 24 - Plymouth Memorial Hall requires extensive renovations that could cost up to $33 million, according to a feasibility study presented to the Select Board Tuesday evening. The 100-year-old building suffers from severe water intrusion problems and structural issues that threaten its continued operation as a community venue.
Town officials outlined a four-tier renovation plan, with the most basic repairs estimated at $22 million and comprehensive upgrades reaching $33.1 million including audio-visual equipment. The town plans to request $22 million from the Community Preservation Committee to fund the first two tiers of work.
"If one life is saved, there's no issue on cost," said Jason Silva, Director of Inspectional Services, when asked about the financial impact of waiving inspection fees versus the benefit of safer properties.
Karl Anderson, the town's Facilities Manager, documented extensive water damage throughout the building during his presentation. Video footage showed standing water in electrical rooms and significant structural concerns, including a cracked concrete wall behind the stage that shows visible movement when touched.
"This wall is 35 feet high, probably 25, 30 feet wide," Anderson said, demonstrating the wall's flexibility. "That's a gentle touch. That is a slight push."
The water intrusion problems date back at least to 2011, when the town commissioned a study but never implemented professional remediation. Anderson said water enters through deteriorated brick mortar joints and damaged windows, creating ongoing damage throughout the building.
"It's wind-driven rain that is really intrusive and finds a way into the building, regardless of what direction it comes from," Anderson explained.
The renovation plan divides work into sequential phases. Tier 1A focuses on exterior restoration including masonry work, new windows, and roof repairs at a cost of $3.8 million. Tier 1B addresses interior renovations, mechanical systems, and theater improvements for $18.3 million.
Tier 2 adds a back-of-house addition with new dressing rooms, loading dock, and elevator access for $8 million. The final tiers include accessibility improvements and advanced acoustic systems.
Sean Redfern from DBVW Architecture, the consulting firm that conducted the study, said construction would take 16 to 18 months if all work proceeds together. Design work would require an additional six to eight months.
The cost estimates include inflation projections, with later phases calculated at 15% higher than current prices to account for a five-year timeline.
Memorial Hall Director Joe Goldberg highlighted the building's growing success as an entertainment venue. The facility hosts 120 shows annually, up from 39 in 2021, with average attendance increasing from 750 to 1,200 people per show.
"We've experienced a 20% growth for the last four years, every year for the last four years, compounding on itself," Goldberg said.
The venue generates enough revenue to cover Goldberg's salary and benefits, plus three part-time sound engineers and two event coordinators, without taxpayer funding. A new $1-per-ticket restoration fee will create a maintenance fund for ongoing repairs.
Goldberg emphasized the economic impact beyond the building itself. Recent events like Miss Massachusetts brought 100 hotel room bookings for three nights, generating broader tourism revenue.
"Every person that comes goes to our hotels, they go to our restaurants, they go to our convenience stores, they support local business," Goldberg said.
The building's deteriorating conditions create operational challenges. Goldberg noted that major artists like the Indigo Girls encountered flooded dressing rooms, though the quality of other services brought them back within a year.
Select Board members expressed concern about the project's scale and funding. The $22 million Community Preservation Act request would be the largest single project in the program's history.
"That's a staggeringly high number," said Vice Chair David Golden.
Town Manager Derek Brindisi said the annual debt service for $22 million would cost approximately $1.3 million over 20 years.
Chair Kevin Canty criticized the town's historical approach to building maintenance, noting the 14-year delay in addressing known water problems.
"It's 14 years of inflation on these costs, but it's also 14 years of additional damage that we could have prevented," Canty said.
The construction costs presented do not include design fees and owner's project management, which typically add 15 to 20% to total project expenses. The town would need to hire these services separately if the project moves forward.
Board member Richard Quintal suggested incorporating visitor center improvements into the project, noting the current facility's poor condition and the need for accessible public restrooms downtown.
The Select Board took no formal action on the proposal. The Community Preservation Committee will review the funding request as part of its regular process.
Other major items discussed:
• Officials presented the annual town report showing completion of numerous municipal goals, including 88 miles of road improvements over four years
• The town will eliminate Special Town Meeting warrants within the Annual Town Meeting, consolidating all articles into annual warrants to streamline the process
• Rising e-bike accidents prompt officials to explore emergency regulations and increased police enforcement
• The board opposed a 163-unit 40B housing development, sending a letter to state officials requesting denial of the project's site eligibility