© Newburyport Daily News
By Katie Farrell Lovett
Staff writer
NEWBURYPORT — The city's two legislative leaders were given a tour of the upgraded National Guard Armory on Friday, following an 11-month renovation to the military facility.
State Rep. Michael Costello, D-Newburyport, and state Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen, were at the armory for a ceremony marking the transfer of stewardship of the city's historic powder house. Following, the ceremony, project manager Phil Passaro, a retired master sergeant in the National Guard, and Lt. Col. Thomas Harrop showed the two state officials the upgrades and renovations to the armory.
The work began last November and was performed by general contractor Castagna Construction. The project is funded with federal and state funds, and includes a new roof and HVAC system, new locker rooms and renovations to the restrooms, as well as painting and the installation of energy-efficient technology. The building is also handicap accessible.
With the upgrades to the kitchen, the facility can now be used as an emergency shelter for the Greater Newburyport area, in the event of state or weather emergencies. As the National Guard works to renovate all of their armories, the Newburyport facility is the first to install upgraded communication and computer technology, which will allow for an enhanced emergency operation center.
"It will be a great asset to Newburyport," Costello said.
Once the project is complete, the facility will be available for rentals for community events.
The armory is the headquarters for the 182nd Engineer Co. "Sapper" of the 101st Engineer Battalion. The building was dedicated in 1956.