Prellwitz Chilinski Assoc.chosen as architect for the renovation of two historic buildings

The town of Weston selected Prellwitz Chilinski Associates (PCA) to provide design services for the renovation and re-use of the historic Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library in the town center. Scheduled for a 2012 opening, the project will reconnect two historic, centrally-located buildings with the day-to-day functions of the community and provide the town with a casual dining restaurant. The selection of PCA is the latest step in a 5-year planning process, during which the town solicited input from the community and evaluated new uses for the historic buildings. The Tavern exterior has been renovated and a feasibility study has established the outline of the project. Andrew Marvel, chair of the Josiah Smith Tavern / Old Library Committee, "We are excited to be entering the design stage of the project. Retaining Smith + St. John as project managers and PCA as architects is a big step forward. The Tavern and Old Library buildings have the potential to provide great service to the community through their planned new uses, in addition to their historic value to the town." The Old Library, a brick and stone building vacant since 1995, will serve as the new home for the Weston Women's Community League on the upper level. The lower level will house a Weston History Center, with offices for the Historical Commission, the Historical Society and the Town Archives. The Josiah Smith Tavern will be restored to its original use as a dining and gathering place, serving as a casual family restaurant and function space. A planned 4,000 s/f addition will contain a modern kitchen and a new elevator, stairs and restrooms. "We're thrilled to be partnering with the town of Weston on this project," said Eric Brown of PCA. "As a firm, we're always looking for ways to enhance communities through design. This project gives us the opportunity to bring two buildings, both of which have tremendous historic value, back in sync with the town's needs."