RUMFORD — The front stairway replacement project at the Rumford Municipal Building is set to begin next week.

Because the front of the building may not be accessible during construction, town officials are asking people to begin using the River Street entrance at the back of the building once construction begins.

Selectmen recently awarded the project to contractor H.E. Callahan of Auburn, not to exceed $103,500.

The project includes replacing the concrete stairs with granite.

Town Manager John Madigan said the finished project will have lamp posts, reminiscent of a picture of the building taken in 1935, which shows those street lights next to the pillars.

The company will replace the small roof over the entryway with a new downspout. The work includes stair treads, railings and a new retaining wall around the front.

The town is also replacing the flooring in the main hallway of the building. This project was awarded by selectmen to Floor Systems Inc. of Lisbon, which bid $13,658. Madigan said a portion of the cost will be paid by the court, which utilizes the building.

Executive Secretary Terri Palmer said that the plants out front have been moved temporarily by the Parks and Recreation Department. That area will be improved with a new wall and amended soil after the town removes the old curbing and tree roots.

The plants will be replaced after construction.

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