Waterford — The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has hired a national consulting firm to study the economic viability and potential re-use of historic buildings on the former Seaside Regional Center property, which was designated as a state park a year ago.

DEEP spokesman Dennis Schain said the agency has hired PKF Consulting USA to analyze the buildings and do a market study on potential re-use of the buildings as part of the master planning process for the new park.

PKF’s analysis is expected to take six to eight weeks, Schain said.

Once the analysis is complete, representatives from DEEP, other state agencies and architects hired to work on the master plan will hold a final public meeting in Waterford to present the master plan findings, recommendations and next steps.

DEEP and partners initially anticipated a public meeting in late spring to finalize the details of the master plan, but officials determined an evaluation and market analysis of the potential re-use of the historic buildings was necessary.

“We believe the additional research and analysis is necessary to ensure the final recommendations meet with the stated goals,” Schain said.

In the interim, park staff continue to make operational improvements at Seaside, Schain said.

Overgrown vegetation and invasive plants have been removed from around the historic structures to enhance site security and improve scenic views.

A deteriorated and unsafe fire escape has been removed, and security fencing has been installed.

Interior cleanup and abatement work will start on two of the historic structures in the coming months. Parking lots will be improved to provide better access for park visitors, Schain said.

Since the designation of Seaside State Park in September 2014, DEEP has collaborated with Oak Park Architects LLC, Sasaki Associates Inc. and other state agencies to develop a master plan for the future of the park.

To date, the process has involved approximately 1,800 people through public meetings and workshops, two surveys and a website for comment.

The planning process has included an intensive engineering survey of the National Register-listed buildings associated with the former Seaside Regional Center as well as a survey of the seawall conditions.

c.bessette@theday.com

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