SOUTHWICK – The Town of Southwick held an open house on Thursday morning for those interested in buying or leasing the Old Library on 475 College Hwy. The 1890’s Library is considered to be one of the most historic buildings in town.
Originally, the town put the 2,474 sq. ft. building up for lease in August of 2017. After having a number of site visits by interested parties, the town didn’t receive any serious offers.
After considering the possibility of having the building available for purchase, the town drafted a warrant article in May of 2018 for the annual town meeting that would give the town authorization to sell the building. Voting residents unanimously voted in favor of the article resulting in the town putting the Old Library up for sale or lease.
The first floor of the Old Library features two rooms and a bathroom. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Since May, Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart has worked with the Historical Commission and town counsel to put together a revised RFP.
On Thursday morning, at least five different parties attended the open house and surveyed the building. Jeff Gurney, the owner of Atrium Property Services across the street at 476 College Hwy, is in the real estate industry and works with business professionals throughout the state. Gurney feels that the Old Library could be a great fit for a lawyer or medical office.
“We want to have low traffic,” said Jeff Gurney. “It’s a great spot.”
Scott Lamon, the owner of Tynic Landscaping, noted that he’s mildly interested in buying or leasing the building.
“I think it would be a great office for somebody in town,” said Lamon.
If Lamon decided to pursue the Old Library, he said he would use the building as an independent office for bookkeeping and sales calls for Tynic Landscaping.
Town of Southwick Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart was happy that people came out to the open house.
“This is exactly for people who want to take advantage,” said Stinehart.
Select Board Chairman Joe Deedy was also in attendance for the open house and sees the historical preservation restriction as an attraction for potential suitors.
“With the restriction, it works great,” said Deedy.
The Historical Preservation Restriction requires the buyer to comply with maintaining certain historical aspects of the Old Library such as: all period Historical features and exterior doors including the trim; all interior wainscoting and chair rails; 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; 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
The front entrance to the Old Library. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
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.
The RFP will still be available for potential suitors until December 18 at 10 a.m. In order to view the RFP, visit the Town of Southwick website.
