SOUTHWICK – The Select Board has authorized the Town of Southwick to issue a request for proposal that will allow the old library to be leased or bought.
Located on 475 College Hwy, the old library has been around since the 1890’s and is considered to be one of the oldest buildings in town.
Originally, the town put the building up for lease in August of 2017. However, after having a number of site visits to allow interested parties to inquire about leasing the old library, the town didn’t receive any serious offers.
Southwick Old Library. (WNG File Photo)
When considering the possibility of having the building put up for sale, the town drafted a warrant article in May for the annual town meeting that gave the town authorization to sell the building. Residents voted in favor of the article.
“This will allow us to do both of those (lease or sell),” said Town of Southwick Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart.
Stinehart also pointed out that all preservation restrictions that have been requested by the Historical Commission, will still be in tact whether the building is leased or bought.
The individual or party who purchases or leases it will be responsible for modernizing it and making sure the old library is up to code.
“Do it in the right manner that allows it to have some level of preservation,” said Stinehart.
The following is the list of items that the Historical Commission has come up with that they want preserved when the old library is purchased.
- All period windows and exterior doors including the trim;
- All interior wainscoting and chair rail
- The original built-in bookcases on the main floor;
- The interior cornice (crown) moldings;
- The curved ceiling “niche” on the North side of the main room;
- The bead board ceiling;
- The original wood flooring, if applicable;
- Exterior elevations allowing for a handicap ramp on the rear and up to the North side entrance; and historic preservation easement on the property to assure the exterior and certain key interior features will be retained while allowing commercial rehabilitation to be performed
