Repairs underway at historic firehouse to prepare for Heartland Art Center

The historic firehouse at the corner of Washington and Center Streets is getting a much-needed tune-up as the city prepares the vacant building to temporarily host the Heartland Art Center.

During Monday evening's Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, Building Commissioner Dennis Manuwal presented a request from the project's contractor to place a dumpster on the concrete area in front of the building. Board members approved the request, with the stipulation that the dumpster be kept close to the building to ensure the adjacent sidewalk remains accessible to pedestrians.

The repairs were prompted after the Heartland Art Center expressed interest in utilizing the historic space for classes and exhibits while its permanent headquarters undergoes a major renovation. A subsequent inspection by Manuwal revealed several safety and accessibility issues that needed to be addressed before the building could be safely occupied by the public.

A primary safety concern is located in the building's hose tower at the front entrance, where approximately 16 feet of plaster has come loose and is falling. The contractor will remove the failing plaster and reset the brick pavers on the tower's floor to prevent the interior exit door from catching or binding.

The project also includes several accessibility and safety upgrades throughout the facility. Crews will install a vertical grab bar and an ADA-compliant lavatory in the first-floor bathroom, as well as repair the seal around the toilet.

Additional work includes replacing damaged flooring near the second-floor east exit door, installing a PEMKO rubber mat and ramp, repairing the outside thresholds of exterior doors, and installing panic bars for emergency egress.

All repairs to the historic firehouse are expected to be completed in three to four weeks.