[MassHistPres] RFP for a Cobbler Shop in Mendon

[Tony Willoughby]

A PDF of this document can be found here:

http://mendonma.net/depts/media/HistoricalCommission/CobblersShop/MendonCobblerShopRFP.pdf

The town of Mendon was recently deeded a tract of land which includes a 
small historic building (approximately 15’ x 20’) from the 1800s that 
was once a cobbler’s shop. The town is retaining ownership of the land 
and building but would like the Historical Commission to oversee the 
restoration of the building.

Since cobblers shops were once an important part of industry in Mendon 
the general consensus is that we’d like to restore the building to 
represent its original purpose. The shop would then be open for 
visitation by the public with educational exhibits, perhaps some
historically correct tools on display, etc., as a way for adults and 
schoolchildren alike to learn about an important part of Mendon’s history.

Right now we are looking for estimates of cost for two things:

1. An assessment of the building to determine what is necessary to 
stabilize and protect it for the coming winter months.

2. A phased master plan. We realize there are probably a number of 
options for the renovation project, both in function and cost. Since it 
will be necessary to implement this project in phases over a period of 
time with a variety of funding sources (private fund raising, grants, 
qualified donated services, etc.) we will need to be able to plan 
accordingly for each of the phases as we are able to complete them.

If you would be interested in talking with us further about this 
project, please contact Jane Lowell at 508-473-9524 or jel42 at comcast.net.


-- 
Tony Willoughby tonyw at pobox.com
Mendon Historical Commission