Brooks Academy Commission Targets Lilac Facade Restoration Before Fall Construction Begins

Other Committee · Meeting of June 24, 2026

HARWICH — Brooks Academy Commission weighs historic lilac facade and outdoor theater ahead of $1.9 million renovation. The Harwich Brooks Academy and Museum Commission held a working session June 24 focused on the $1.9 million rehabilitation of the 1844 Greek Revival building, which goes out to bid September 11 and is targeted for completion by June 15, 2027. Commission member Paul cited the written narrative of Sidney Brooks to argue the building's front facade was originally lilac — not its current pewter gray — and said "it's in his own hand," urging the chair to contact project manager Sean and architectural firm H&A before painting begins.

The chair committed to sending the email the same day. Paul also reported that Stockwell, head of the carpentry department at a regional technical school, agreed to have students design and build a proposed outdoor performance area on the grounds at no labor cost, with construction possible by spring 2027. The commission also agreed to alert the architect to a time capsule believed buried in the building's northwest corner since 1844 before excavation of the front stairs begins.

In the full story:

• Meeting Called to Order and Procedural Notes
• The Facade Color Question
• The Time Capsule
• Paul's Outdoor Performance Space
• Cape Cod Makers and 3D Documentation
• Public Letter and Chronicle Outreach
• The complete report — 2,576 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of June 24, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.