[MassHistPres] RFP for Lease of Town-Owned Building

[Mike Potaski]

Hi Carol:

Uxbridge had a similar situation with its historic North Uxbridge Fire House which was in danger of being demolished with the site becoming a park.

Fortunately, a group of concerned citizens formed a 501(c)3 entity which purchased the fire station and has restored it to pristine condition. I'm cc:ing Harry Romasco who spearheaded the citizens' initiative and Steve Sette the town manager. They might want to weigh in with their experience in the matter.

Regards,

Mike Potaski
Uxbridge Historical Society
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From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> on behalf of Carol Chirico via MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 11:24 AM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: [MassHistPres] RFP for Lease of Town-Owned Building

Hello all,

The Town of Rockport owns a mid-19th century fire station at 3 Dock Square; it is a contributing building in the heart of a LHD.  Our Select Board has decided that they believe the best course to deal with this deteriorating structure is to demolish it and make a park.  They have introduced a Town Meeting article asking TM members to vote for demolition or sale.  I'm interested in helping them explore a third option: a long-term lease to a developer whereby the lease consideration would be restoration.  I'm hoping other communities have pursued this and I would be grateful to get access to any RFPs or other materials issued by municipalities for the lease of a historic building.  Also, if anyone has worked with a consultant who has facilitated this type of transaction, I would appreciate any information and contacts.

thank you,

Carol Huggins Chirico
Commission Member
Rockport Historical Commision
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