AVTECH Software Inc., a multi-million dollar technology company, is right on schedule in its construction and plans to move to Warren's Cutler Mills building from Newport by May, according to President Michael Sigourney.
The computer technology company that calls the FBI, Pentagon and Microsoft clients, will put about a half-million dollars over four months into the property to renovate three floors of the mill next to the East Bay Chamber of Commerce to accommodate 35 full-time employees.
By the end of the year, Mr. Sigrouney estimates, the company will hire about 12 more local employees. Mr. Sigrouney also plans to rennovate the courtyard next to Fab Goldberg's Basically British Tea Room, and bring in an antique store owner for the vacent store next to the restaurant.
One of the first-floor halls will be used as a function room for the company's clients and possible for community use, such as wedding receptions. Decorative glass panels will be installed for a charming touch throughout the building.
Construction started in January after Mr. Sigourney purchaesd the property from former owner Dave Wescott.
Aesthetics is not the only thing Mr. Sigourney is considering while updating the building. Because the company holds accounts with such high-profile clients, AVTECH's area will be installed with cameras and advanced security systems, plus high-speed wireless internet.
"The whole property will be monitored by cameras to take photographs of people. There will be silent systems," said Mr. Sigourney.
Other security measures include an original safe embedded within the walls of the president' future office.
Mr. Sigourney said the mill will look spectacular by the time spring rolls around. Though the mill is being restored with new materials, he is designing the building to retain its historical value.
"In 1868, when it was built, this one was one of the smallest mills; I call it a boutique mill. It will be one of the nicest spots in town," said Mr. Sigourney.
Currently, construction spaces are dusty while the mill's high ceilings are being fitted with antique lights from old factories and stained-glass doors are being fitted for grand entrance ways. The original cherry wood floors are being refurbished to shine and the freight elevators are being tweaked to stay functional.
Individual stations will be located throughout the mills to house offices. All of the windows are being replaced; Mr. Sigourney sad he was paying about $8,000 for heat each month, most of it leaking through sub-par windows.
But the detail mattered as well. To retain the spirit of the building, he is adding cute touches such as glass doorknobs and art deco paintings to the building. One of the lighting fixtures was originally housed in one of the Newport Mansions but was removed after new owners decided to update their home's look.
Bristol contractor Jim Towers is in charge of the renovations. He said the mill is a challange for him and his half-dozen subcontractors becasue of the mill's slumping foundations and decrepit windows, however the result will be high quality.
"We've got an aggressive timetable, but we're right on schedule. It looks good even though nothing's even or plumb," said Mr. Towers. "It will be worth it in the end."
AVTECH Software Inc., a multi-million dollar technology company, is right on schedule in its construction and plans to move to Warren's Cutler Mills building from Newport by May, according to President Michael Sigourney.
AVTECH Software, Inc.