[MassHistPres] Ownership of historic properties

[Terry McDermott]

As many of you may know, the town of Wilmington recently (October 2006) acquired the William Butters Farmhouse, a small First Period half house in Wilmington.  I have corresponded with members of this list in the past and I always learn something interesting.

My current question is this - does anyone know of any Massachusetts towns that have endeavored to own and rehabilitate historic residential property?  It is agreed by all that the Butters house is in need of some serious preservation work.  I know Chelmsford recently acquired and ultimately sold an historic property; I know Burlington owns and is still working on fundraising for the Grandview Farm, which I believe is large enough to ultimately serve as a function facility, should the rehab work be funded.  (I also believe that Burlington is finding the whole rehab process to be difficult)  But do any other towns own historic residential property?  I've been trying to look into this issue and it appears to me that town's often end up offloading this type of property to a private society or foundation, which is, perhaps, better positioned to manage a preservation project.  At the heart of the issue for us would be how do we best finance the necessary rehab work for the best, most historically sensitive outcome?  

A related question is - does anyone know of any towns that own historic property which is rented out to residential tenants?

Any thoughts/experiences that anyone can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Terry McDermott
Curator
Wilmington Town Museum at the
Col. Joshua Harnden Tavern, c.1770
430 Salem Street
Wilmington, MA  01887
978.658.5475
htavern at townofwilmingtonma.com
http://www.town.wilmington.ma.us/old/hist.htm

The Wilmington Historical Commission can also be reached at the above 
 addresses and phone number.