LYNN — Mayor Jared Nicholson’s office has announced that the nearly 140-year-old Grand Army of the Republic Building will be closed for roughly a year for renovations to make it more accessible.
The most notable addition will be the installation of an elevator in the four-story building. In a statement, the mayor’s office said that other enhancements, such as more accessible bathrooms, will be made to more closely comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the $7 million project will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at 38 Andrew St., and will be open to the public.
$2.2 million of the project’s funding will come from the American Rescue Plan Act.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime infusion of funds from the city, which is wonderful,” GAR Curator Wendy Joseph said.
“Dedicating this federal money to help modernize the building represents a very effective use of ARPA funds,” Nicholson added.
A $400,000 Community Development Block Grant and a $50,000 donation from the Friends of the GAR will also be used to help fund the project.
“This administration and the City Council have made a commitment that hasn’t been made in the past,” GAR Trustees Chair Patti Pendexter said in the statement. “They realize the potential and the uniqueness of this facility.”
Nicholson also mentioned the importance of supporting historical buildings such as the GAR Building. He said that he is proud to have it as part of the city, which he said is looking forward to the GAR Building’s revitalization so it can become a valuable resource again.
Joseph shared some the building’s history, explaining how the GAR was created to raise money for the widows of Union soldiers who died in the Civil War and support returning veterans. She said that the building, after a year of construction, opened in 1886.
General Frederick W. Lander Post No. 5, which was named after one of the first generals to die in the Civil War, met at the GAR Building.
According to the statement, the post represented regiments in 20 states, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy, and 588 of its members served in the war.
“This post was the most beautiful, richest, and politically successful post,” Joseph said.
Pendexter said that this project will also allow organizations to utilize the space.
The statement ended by noting that Joseph will be working to increase attention and recognition for the project by displaying exhibits outside of City Hall.
