PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday will vote on a $500,000 free cash ask for interior renovations to the historic Springside House.

This is a requirement of the $500,000 Save America's Treasures matching grant that Pittsfield received in December.

This is the second phase of renovations to the mid-1800s Italianate mansion formerly known as Elmhurst. It has sat vacant since 2007 after headquartering the city's Parks and Recreation Department for more than 50 years.

"Springside Park is a crucial part of the geographical identity of Pittsfield. Similarly, the Springside House, listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and situated on the east side of the park is an extraordinary community asset. As the former private residence of one of Pittsfield's most prolific builders, it is a good example of workmanship and architectural knowledge from a key period of growth and economic development in the city," Mayor Linda Tyer wrote in an order appropriate the funds.

"There is widespread agreement among members of the community, the City and the Pittsfield Parks Commission that every effort should be made to ensure its preservation."

She added that this is also a unique opportunity for a "high-level multi-purpose reuse beneficial to many residents," as the publicly owned building sits on about 275 acres of city parkland. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

The house was built between 1856 and 1860 by Abraham Burbank, occupied by the Davol family from 1872 to 1904, as a summer residence for Clarence and Hannah Stevens until the mid-1930s and was later donated to the city by the Miller family.

It became a part of the parks system in the late 1930s.

The estimate for full interior renovations totals $3.5 million and about $1.5 million in exterior renovations have been completed. Restoration efforts began in 2013 when the Massachusetts Historical Commission awarded the city $30,000 for the feasibility study.

The home's interior, which previously housed an apartment and plenty of community groups, shows layers of history underneath modernization efforts in some areas.

Pressed tin ceilings and center medallions can now be seen after the dropped ceilings were removed and decorative radiators can be found throughout the building. The first-floor staircase leading to the second floor is said to be a significant feature of the house, with a mahogany railing that is typical of the 1850s-1870s Italianate style.

The city's current efforts with another historic spot, Wahconah Park, have been used as a cautionary tale for what could happen if city properties are not kept up.

A restoration committee was created for the ballpark last year after a structural evaluation in late 2021 revealed major concerns. It has not been determined if the 75-year-old grandstand will be renovated or rebuilt but the city is looking at a price tag of about $10 million.

Also on the Feb. 14 council agenda is an order to enter into a five-year contract with Axon Enterprises Inc. for body-worn cameras and an order to accept a grant of funds in the amount of $166,586.73 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to support the program.

Since the death of Miguel Estrella by police last year, body cameras have been one of the asks by the community to ensure accountability. The equipment was endorsed by the council in May and at the end of November it was reported that the body camera pilot was "back on track" after a union delay.
 

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