SOUTHWICK – The Town of Southwick officially released the revised RFP (Request for Proposal) for the Old Library on Tuesday.
The 2,474 sq. ft. Old Library, at 475 College Hwy, has been around since the 1890’s and is considered to be one of the most historic buildings in town.
Originally, the town put the building up for lease in August of 2017. After having a number of site visits to allow interested parties to inquire about leasing the old library, the town did not receive any serious offers.
Exploring the possibility of having the building purchased, the town drafted a warrant article for the annual town meeting in May 2018 that gave the town authorization to sell the building. Voting residents unanimously voted in favor of the article resulting in the town having the ability to put the Old Library up for sale or lease.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart. (WNG File Photo)
Since May of 2018, Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart has worked with the Historical Commission and town counsel to put together a revised RFP.
“We’re hopeful that’ll be a better route so we can find a better party to use it, repurpose it and preserve it,” said Stinehart.
The RFP is now externally available for potential suitors until December 18 at 10 a.m. A property inspection date is scheduled for November 29 at 9:30 a.m. In the RFP, it’s noted that the future individual or party that buys or leases the building, will have the responsibility of dealing with improvements that need to be made with the Old Library.
If the property is sold, the historical building is required to have a preservation restriction placed on it and the buyer is required to execute a purchase and sales agreement within 14 days of being awarded the sale. The latest assessment of the property values it at $125,100.
Once a purchase and sale agreement is in place, the selected buyer has 30 days to complete the purchase. The Town of Southwick then reserves the right to extend the deadline if needed.
In the RFP, there are sale conditions for the buying aspect. It’s not permitted to conduct demolition on the structure, due to its historical significance. If there is neglect or any failure from the buyer to do any improvements or there is further deterioration within the first two months, the town has the right to revert the purchase from the buyer.
The Historical Preservation Restriction requires the buyer to comply with certain historical aspects of the Old Library. All of which can be found within the RFP or by contacting the Town Administrator’s office.
Southwick Old Library located on 475 College Hwy. (WNG File Photo)
If the building happens to be leased, the lease isn’t allowed to exceed more than 25 years. In the RFP, it notes that the lessee is responsible for the annual rent payment and can be payed in monthly installments to the Town of Southwick.
Alike to the buyer, the lessee will also have to comply with the Historical Preservation Restriction that is specifically tailored to a lease.
According to Stinehart, despite the RFP only being out to the public for less than two days, the interest on the property is already there.
“We’ve already started to receive calls and inquires,” said Stinehart. “We’re cautiously optimistic.”
In order to view the RFP, visit the Town of Southwick website.
