Village Hall-Framingham History Center

Constructed in 1834, this historic building held both a school and public library, and also served as the city's second city hall. The basement held the city's first fire engine. The building was out of service by 1928 when a new city hall was constructed, but was restored and preserved by forward-thinking members of the community that recognized the structure's historic value. More than a century later, the building is preserved and maintained by the Framingham History Center and available for rental [1].

Constructed in 1834, this historic building held both a school and public library, and also served as the city's second city hall. The basement held the city's first fire engine. The building was out of service by 1928 when a new city hall was constructed, but was restored and preserved by forward-thinking members of the community that recognized the structure's historic value. More than a century later, the building is preserved and maintained by the Framingham History Center and available for rental  [1].

 

Village Hall was designed by Dexter Hemenway and Solomon Willard (architect of the Bunker Hill Monument) and built in 1834 by Dexter Etsy. It was Framingham's second town hall, and included offices, school rooms, a meeting space, and the town's first public library. The town outgrew the space by 1891, and it was left in the hands of the Framingham Improvement Association after ten years' vacancy. Local architect Charles M. Baker made significant alterations in the early twentieth century, including the addition of a portico facing Centre Common, a double staircase, and a Beaux Arts style terrace in 1913. A few years later, the ballroom ceiling was removed to expose the oak beams and a stage was added at one end. The building was damaged, but survived a fire in 1920 and was donated by Charles Baker to the Framingham Historical Society in 1934. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places [1]. The Framingham History Center owns two additional historic buildings near the Centre Common: the Edgell Memorial Library and the Old Academy.

1. Framingham History Center. "Village Hall." Accessed June 16, 2016. http://www.framinghamhistory.org/