Town Hall Front Step Replacement Completed

Town employees wrapped up orange netting and took down the yellow caution tape this morning, bringing an end to a summer-long step replacement project at the front entrance to the historic East Greenwich Town Hall.

Within minutes a man started up the steps to the front door, which was still locked so he was directed to the rear entrance. But he was the last person to have to make that detour. The door was quickly unlocked and some shelving used as a blockade pushed aside so the steps could be used.

The replaced brownstone steps were part of the current building, which was erected in 1804. They are currently in storage in a city garage.

The side and center railings, which were also part of the current building, had fallen into disrepair, but were able to be restored and put back in place, helping maintain the original look of the building.

Town Manager Bill Sequino said a ribbon-cutting ceremony would be scheduled to mark completion of the project and recognize the contribution of the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Society. The Society picked up 50 percent of the cost, which totaled just over $100,000.

The current Town Hall replaced a courthouse built in 1750. The building continued as a courthouse until 1978 after which the only occupant was the Chamber of Commerce. In 1991 the state decided to close the building, generating calls for restoration and it re-opened as the Town Hall in 1995.