The City's Capital Projects Division is undertaking repairs to Somerville City Hall's clock tower and install a new slate roof, as well as new rubber roofing around the clock tower.
Work is expected to begin Saturday, November 2. City contractors will work through the fall and winter on clock tower repairs and restoration before moving on to repairs to the slate roof in the spring.
This work is an important step in maintaining and protecting the structure and architectural details of our historic city hall–originally constructed in 1852.
City Hall hours will not be affected and the main entrance to City Hall will remain open throughout this work.
Anticipated Work Schedule:
Fall Through Spring 2024/2025
Clock tower repairs are expected to begin Nov. 2 and continue through the fall and winter seasons. As work gets underway more information about the timeline and key project updates will be shared on this page.
Work hours are weekdays and select Saturdays approximately 7 a.m. to 4p.m.
Saturday work is required to safely facilitate crane operations while maintaining City Hall operations.
Spring 2025
City contractors will restore City Hall's slate roof.
Construction Impacts
- Scaffolding and an access staircase will be erected on the northern side (closest to Reavis Field) of the main entrance to City Hall.
- Demolition and reconstruction of materials on both the interior and exterior of the clock tower will produce some elevated noise levels during work hours.
- Work hours are weekdays approximately 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Some crane activity will take place on select Saturdays while City Hall is closed.
- Work hours are weekdays approximately 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Material Abatement and Disposal
As is the case with all older buildings, some elements used in the construction of the clock tower contain materials such as non-friable asbestos* and lead that if handled and disposed of properly do not pose a health risk.
Beginning on Thursday, November 7 and continuing sporadically through the week of November 18th, licensed abatement contractors will be on-site to remove and dispose of these materials. All work will be conducted in accordance with state-approved work plans and under the supervision of an on-site indoor air quality monitor/industrial hygienist.
*Non-friable asbestos is a type of asbestos that is generally not considered a health risk because it does not easily release fibers. Non-friable asbestos is common in older buildings and is not considered a safety risk unless improperly disturbed.
This abatement poses no risk to abutters such as nearby homes or businesses, passersby, persons using areas outside the building, or visiting City Hall.
Recent project updates
As the work progresses, updates and any additional anticipated construction impacts will be shared here and through other City channels.
Programs & Initiatives
If you are a business, consultant, or non-profit that may be able to support Somerville’s business community, we encourage you to respond to our Request for Information (RFI).
Members will develop a recommendation to the Mayor on both the location and scope of a renovated or new school to meet the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and potentially the Benjamin G. Brown School.
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