AMHERST — With concerns that its proposed new headquarters may not meet the requirements of being located in the Emily Dickinson Local Historic District, Amherst Media is turning to a local architect to design the building project.
Amherst Media, which oversees the public access, educational and government television channels for Amherst and broadcasts numerous public meetings and locally originated programs, is expected to enter a contract with Gillen Collaborative Architects this week.
Gillen, which has offices at 409 Main St., across from the site of the two building lots on which the new headquarters would go, would be charged with modifying the proposed barn-like structure, which has raised concerns from a commission that oversees projects in the district, as well as the town’s Planning Board.
At the same time, Amherst Media is exploring other options for relocation from its current College Street site, where its lease is ending, including finding possible space inside the high school.
Bill Gillen of Gillen Collaborative Architects and his associate John Krifka, specialize in historic restoration and bring extensive experience in architecture.
Gillen said in a statement that his design would protect the historic landscape and view to and from the Henry Hills House and the Amherst Womans’ Club.
“We’d like to create a building for Amherst Media that looks like it’s always been on Main Street, one that fits in comfortably with the surrounding historic district,” Gillen said.
