Restoration Underway At Caroline Steven Rogers Building

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — The Caroline Stevens Rogers Building is holding two more open houses, before they close for renovations over the winter, they announced Friday. The building, the former Merrimack Valley Textile Museum at the Old Center, has had its cupola repainted and its roof redone already as part of a major renovation. The North Andover Historical Society announced the plans for an energy-efficient renovation in October.

After a successful open house on Nov. 10, the historical society has planned two more for the building. One will be just before the town tree lighting, Dec. 1 from 3 to 4 p.m., and the other will coincide with the Historical Society Holiday Open House, Dec. 8, from 1 to 3 p.m.

"At both events, dedicated volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, lead tours of the building, and give sneak previews of plans for exhibits and the gala re-opening in 2020," according to a press release by the historical society.

Once renovations are complete, the building will be the home to the historical society's archives and offices, as well as exhibits, lectures and other events. The building is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2020. The renovation is being led by clean-energy entrepreneur James Worden, architect Joseph D. LaGrasse and long-term historical society benefactor, and relative of Caroline Stevens Rogers, Kathy Stevens, the release said.

“The re-envisioned building will be a welcoming place for the Historical Society, and the North Andover community—and may even include collaborations with other area organizations— featuring new spaces and experiences for everyone to enjoy,” Worden said in a statement.

“It will be a joy to be in the newly-renovated energy-efficient Caroline Stevens Rogers Building with its flexible exhibit space and climate-controlled archives," said Stevens.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.