SOUTHWICK – A request for proposal published (RFP) last week begins the process of potential re-use of the old library located on 475 College Hwy.
Town of Southwick Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart, who authorized the RFP being released, is pleased to now have the old library open for sale.
“This process represents a good opportunity for us to both preserve the historical nature of the building and to allow another third party to enter into a long-term lease to pay for that effort,” said Stinehart.
Before an interested individual moves any closer to leasing the property, he or she has to comply with the required items in the old library that need to be preserved in order to keep the historic nature of the building. Some of those items include the following:
- All period windows 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; 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
Dave Gunn and Sean Bissaillon, who are members of the Historical Commission, have worked the past several months on specifics to include in the RFP for preserving items.
“We’re pleased it’s happening,” said Gunn. “They’ve given us the opportunity to review it and give suggestions.”
According to Stinehart, there will be an site visit on August 30 for anyone who is interested in leasing the property. The deadline to put in a request for proposal is Sept. 20 at 10 a.m.
If you would like to see the complete request for proposal, visit the Town of Southwick website and the link to the document is under News & Announcements on the right-hand side.
