Millburn’s Town Hall Renovation: The Town Hall’s History

Millburn’s Town Hall, a symbol of our town’s history and community, is undergoing major renovations, and as students, we’ve been watching closely. The building dates back to the late 1800s and originally served as a firehouse before becoming the center of township operations. As the long-time center of local government and community decision-making, Town Hall has been a symbol of Millburn’s civic spirit and shared history for generations. In April 2025, plans were rolled out to expand Town Hall — adding modern meeting spaces and a courtroom — but with an eye to preserving its original charm. Architect Laura Burn presented a strategy that includes a new addition with a glass facade, distinct from the historic section (thelocallens.org+1tapinto.net+1). The renovation aims to modernize the building while preserving its historic character. Burn says the new design features a contemporary glass-and-brick addition that incorporates meeting rooms, a courtroom, and additional public space, all without overshadowing the original structure (TapInto Millburn). This approach balances progress with preservation, a key concern for the town’s Historic Preservation Commission.

I was able to speak to a member of the Millburn Township Committee and Planning Board Member, Frank Saccomandi IV, who gave me many helpful insights about the project and what we can expect. As one of five committee members, Saccomandi explains, “One of the challenges… was preserving the historic elements… while still having modern amenities.”. The New Town Hall will feature an atrium with steps, a new public space, and more scheduled private spaces for committee and legislative business. He was able to share how the renovation was primarily functional, saying “ [it] helps us solve two problems at once — a more functional Town Hall and more space for our police department.”

However, not everyone agrees on the new design. Some residents have expressed concerns about the scale of the addition and its impact on the surrounding neighborhood. At town meetings, people have suggested the building be broken into smaller segments and questioned the need for such large office spaces (The Local Lens).

The adjacent Town Hall Plaza is also being reimagined. Created during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the “Complete Streets” program, the plaza has become a vibrant community space featuring performances, events, and art. Now, it’s getting permanent upgrades: new lighting, seating, and landscaping, supported by town funds and contributions from Explore Millburn–Short Hills (Downtown NJ). It has become a memorable scene in Millburn's Downtown Area, which families look forward to each summer.

From a student’s perspective, this renovation represents more than bricks and glass. It’s about learning how communities evolve, how public voices influence decisions, and how historic spaces can still serve modern needs. We’ve seen how civic participation from town hall meetings to local debates can shape the place we call home.

Millburn’s Town Hall may be changing, but its legacy and our role in it is only growing stronger.