Modern borough renovation has historic touches

The Greencastle borough office recently underwent a quarter-million dollar renovation that blends the modern with the historic.

Started late last year and completed earlier this spring, the renovation enhances safety, improves efficiency and meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The front door of the office was moved to the east as former office space was converted into a new vestibule where the handicapped accessible restroom is located. Security measures were added to the vestibule as well as the police department office.

The counter also complies with ADA height, as does the water fountain, according to Lorraine Hohl, assistant borough manager. The water fountain has a bottle-filling station to cut down on bottled water purchases and reduce waste.

The main office was cleaned out and streamlined to improve the workspace and workflow. Wiring was upgraded for modern technology, said Eden Ratliff, borough manager, who noted where there used to be five printers, there now is one.

The interior has an industrial look with grayish tones and new vinyl flooring coupled with exposed brick, Hohl said.

Some pieces of history are intertwined in the design, including 1853 maps of Greencastle displayed in both the vestibule and the main office.

A cabinet and stand in Hohl's office and shelving in Ratliff's are from the old library that used to be housed on the second floor.

Among the items displayed on the bookcase are a hand-written 1912 water bill and the 1919 Pennsylvania State Borough Code. A plaque says the shelving was donated by Mrs. Emma Kiesecker in memory of her sisters Mrs. Mary S. Slike and Miss Annie B. Snively.

"We're happy with the look. The public and others say it looks bigger," said Hohl. She noted people couldn't sit down in the old vestibule or enjoy the map or see the brochures now displayed there.