Masonic Hall Selective Renovations

Town of Billerica

Billerica, MA

The Thomas Talbot Masonic Lodge, also known as Masonic Hall, has existed on the historic Billerica Common for nearly 2 centuries. During that time, the building has served numerous functions to the community, both as a privately owned entity, and more recently under Town ownership. Over the recent years, it has served as the home base for the Billerica Community Food Pantry. Neglected for nearly half a century, the building was known to be in substantial disrepair, most noticeably with the longest facade of the building bowing outwardly to the exterior at the upper level. The Town engaged PRA Architects initially to perform a feasibility study to determine the extent of immediate stabilizing repairs to the structure and the exterior envelope needed to enable the building to continue to functioning safely and avoid further deterioration. As the study developed, the Town and the Pantry also sought to envision interior upgrades to allow the Pantry to more effectively operate, including a new loading dock, walk-in refrigeration unit, renovated storage and distribution areas, administrative office spaces, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems and modern handicapped-accessible public restrooms.

After gaining approval at Town Meeting, the effort proceeded with PRA being retained to produce bidding and construction documents for the project. The project was successfully publicly bid, and construction commenced in fall of 2023. In addition to the many interior upgrades previously mentioned, the site received new accessible sloped concrete walkways, a new electrical service was installed below grade, and the truss structure supporting the roof received stabilizing structural ties to prevent further bowing of the exterior wall. The upper level of the building was left mostly to remain as is, while the Town continues to envision potential uses for the space, with intent to develop plans for a comprehensive remodel to serve future occupancies.

Construction was completed in Spring 2024, with the renovated spaces now able to serve as the home for the Billerica Community Food Pantry for many years to come! Click here to learn more about the Billerica Community Food Pantry.