Sterling Municipal Light Department went through a big undertaking this past year -- renovating their main building, which was built in 1855. Sterling Light moved into the building in 1935. After being there 79 years, they felt it was time for a change and wanted to make the interior more welcoming and brighter with an open concept. It was a huge project and couldn’t have been done without the help of the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, located in Fitchburg, Mass., as well as the Sterling line crew and staff. Thankfully, the utility was able to operate as usual as far as not slowing down their daily tasks and being available to their customers. 

The renovation started off with the structure in the basement and moving onto replacing the beams and jacking up the building. According to Sean Hamilton, the General Manager, "It was a complete gut job." They raised the ceiling to 10’3", put in a vestibule, added LED lighting, made the lobby area bigger, and made the ladies in the front office more accessible to the customers. "I want to thank the customers for their patience, the operations and the staff people, too," said Sean. "The board was also very supportive. Vendors located in or around Sterling also helped with the project so that was great to keep it local."

They opened up the new parts of the building on April 23. In the last month they have received great responses by the people who have come in. Just recently, on May 28, Sterling Light held a BBQ at the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School to thank the students for all they had done to help with the renovation!

If you’re in the Sterling area make sure to go check out the new building and say hello!