Walden’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved a construction project to replace the siding and trim on Walden’s Town Hall building during their meeting on June 14. The town received two separate bids for the project, and ultimately decided to go with Seals Construction, based out of Churchill, Tenn.
Seals’ bid was $41,900.
Mayor Bill Trohanis said the construction company is still working to complete all the paperwork needed to begin the project.
“We haven’t heard anything further other than that he’s in the process of getting everything required, but hopefully the project can begin in the next 30-60 days,” Trohanis said.
The Seals Construction representative at the meeting said the company has done around 15 projects similar to this for private homes.
Town Recorder Fern Lockhart said, to her knowledge, the town has never completely redone the siding and trim for Town Hall, which was constructed in 1993. It was built to be very durable, she said, but after more than 20 years of exposure to the weather and sun, it was time for something new.
According to Trohanis, the town will be replacing the existing wood around the building with a cement fiber product made by James Hardie Industries. As opposed to wood, which requires regular maintenance in the form of repainting and refinishing, Trohanis said the cement product is expected to last at least 15 years without any upkeep, saving the town time and money.
In addition to its longevity, the cement siding was significantly cheaper during the bidding process than natural wood products. A second bid from Seals Construction which featured cedar siding cost over $10,000 more.
Trohanis said the project will try to match the current look of Town Hall as closely as possible.