Nauset Construction begins historic restoration of Quincy City Hall; Holmes & Edwards is architect for $8 million project

Mayor Thomas Koch and Nauset Construction kicked-off the historic restoration of the 169-year-old City Hall, believed to be the oldest functioning city hall in America. The $8 million project includes a full restoration of the 1844 building's granite façade and a complete renovation of its long-deteriorating interior. The "Great Hall," once the primary public meeting space for city residents and the city council but reduced in size over the years, will be restored to its original stature and layout. New meeting space will be created for the city's boards and commissions, as will exhibition space for historic artifacts, including letters from John Adams, John Quincy Adams and John Hancock. Holmes & Edwards, Inc. is the architect for the restoration, which is expected to be completed by the fall of 2014. "Nauset Construction is honored to be a part of the project team that will restore this distinct and historically significant building back to it original state of grandeur," said Anthony Papantonis, president of Nauset. Quincy City Hall is one of two historic renovation projects that Nauset is undertaking for the city. In June, Nauset began the $10 million restoration of Coddington Hall that will transform the 1908 building into office space for the city's school and IT operations. "This is a long-overdue effort to save this beautiful and incredibly important building, and I'm proud that today we're getting it done with the help of so many people working together," said mayor Koch. Shown (from left) are: Planning director Dennis Harrington, Ward 2 city councilor Brad Croall, city council president Michael McFarland, Ward 1 councilor Margaret Laforest, mayor Thomas Koch, city historian Tom Galvin, Community Preservation committee member Tony Ricci, Community Preservation committee member Maureen Mazrimas, architect Jim Edwards, Ward 4 city councilor Brian Palmucci, Community Preservation committee member Connie Driscoll, president of Nauset Construction, Anthony Papantonis, director of public buildings Gary Cunniff.