WOBURN - Seaver Construction of Woburn has been selected to renovate the Tidd Home in North Woburn, officials from the facility announced on Wednesday.

A special permit was approved by the City Council in November allowing for extensive renovations to the Tidd Home, including an elevator, new bathrooms, updated heating and air conditioning equipment and an emergency response system.

A small addition as well will be built adjacent to a wing that was built in 1970, at the northern end of the building between Traverse and Elm streets.

Capacity of the Tidd Home will increase from 14 rooms to 16 rooms, with private baths.

Since 1886, the Tidd Home has served as a residence for women age 65 and older, providing meals, laundry, housekeeping, medication assistance and personal care.

"The improvements will add significantly to the comfort, safety and convenience of our elderly residents," said Andy Bader, Executive Director of the Tidd Home, a not-for-profit facility.

The Tidd Home will continue to operate during the renovation project and is accepting applications for the refurbished units.

Seaver Construction has been involved in several high-profile projects in Woburn, including the renovation of the McLaughlin-Dello Russo Funeral Home in Woburn Center, and the Salem Place condominium project, along with another local developer, Paul Maggiore.

At a public hearing last November, local attorney John McElhiney, representing the Tidd Home's board of directors, told the City Council: "It's time for an upgrade; a more modern facility."

The vote from the council to approve a special permit for the renovation project was a unanimous 9-0.

The oldest portion of the building was constructed in 1809 and was eventually donated to be a home for elderly women. An addition was built in 1970, but there have been no further major improvements since.

The new addition will allow the Tidd Home to meet all fire codes and handicapped access requirements, as well as giving the ladies some extra space and their own bathrooms.