RUMFORD – The Municipal Building Committee nailed down some of the final details of the soon-to-start $828,000 renovation project Tuesday with architect Jim Reuter.

The voter-approved effort is expected to go out to bid within a few weeks, after a final meeting next month to confirm more details.

Reuter, of the Bethel firm of Smith Reuter Lull, said Tuesday that the contract should be awarded in August, and work should begin by early autumn.

The massive renovation, which includes some exterior construction as well as interior work, will bring the nearly 100-year-old structure up to life and safety, fire, and handicapped accessibility codes.

Among changes is construction of a stairwell tower and entrance to the police department.

The stairwell located at the rear of the Municipal Auditorium is too narrow, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The tower, at 8 by 12 feet and two stories high, is attached to the rear right side of the Municipal Building. It will be replaced with a 16- by 33-foot tower and lobby. It will be covered in brick veneer.

To make way for the larger tower, the lower section of one of the auditorium’s huge, arched windows will be removed. Reuter said the arched section, which is located above the balcony, will remain.

Other modifications include enclosure of the main entrance at the winged stairway to the auditorium and construction of three handicapped-accessible bathrooms along with three others. Two out of three of the building’s floors will have handicapped-accessible bathrooms. An existing elevator will make access possible to handicapped-accessible bathrooms from any floor.

Dumb waiters now located in each floor will be sealed off.

A fire alarm system throughout the building and emergency lighting will be installed.

Gatherings of more than 49 people in the auditorium have been banned by the Office of the State Fire Marshal until the new exit can be built.

The committee also asked Reuter to work up some possible add-ons if the bid for the entire project comes in under budget. These would include replacement windows, and less expensive items.

The town plans to finance the project through the Maine Bond Bank over five years.

The next, and final meeting of the committee before bids go out, was set for 4:30 p.m. July 9.

The renovation work will likely take about a year to complete.