Bridgewater mulls the future of four town-owned buildings
They once were homes to two schools, a museum, a silent movie theater and a roller-skating rink, among other uses.
They may soon find new life as affordable housing, a community center, retail space or a center for cultural events.
The town of Bridgewater, incorporated in 1656, still maintains much of its original New England character due to its Town Common and surrounding historic buildings. Four historic buildings — Town Hall, the Academy Building, the Memorial Building, and the McElwain School — are the subject of an extensive survey being done through the town’s Community Preservation Committee.
Voters at last year’s town meeting opted to spend $60,000 to study the use and preservation and restoration of those buildings. Newport Collaborative Architects was hired to review the historic structures, get public input, and make recommendations on future uses for the buildings.
The town’s first-ever discussion of the future of those buildings was held this past week. The public input will be used in a report expected from Newport Collaborative in April, and at annual town meeting in May, voters will likely get to decide how what they’d like to see happen with the buildings.
“I am not sure what the final outcome will be for each building’s use, but I foresee a future that maintains the three downtown buildings (Town Hall, Academy Building, Memorial Building) as the core of Bridgewater,” said CPC Chairwoman Marilee Kenney Hunt. “I see them restored to their full glory, and shining brightly as a symbol of what a community can do to preserve and honor its past while providing for its future.”
Since approving its local Community Preservation Act in 2006, Bridgewater has about $1.8 million to use for open space, historic preservation and affordable housing.
The money comes from a 2 percent tax surcharge on any property assessed at more than $100,000.
Residents who attended last week’s public forum suggested the town should consolidate town offices, some of which are in the Memorial building, to Town Hall and the Academy Building, and perhaps lease the McElwain School, with its 2.75 acres, as affordable housing.
Also, some suggested the town use the second floor of the Town Hall for cultural events, restoring the Memorial Building to its original use as a museum and reading room perhaps with historic archives.
Others suggested included using the buildings as a revenue-generating source, such as an affordable housing lease at the McElwain School or renting out the first floor of Town Hall as retail space, and using the second floor of the Academy Building as document storage.
Maura Chappelle suggested using the McElwain School as an income-generating community center.
Chappelle, the former director of the town’s youth center, suggested the return of the youth center, relocating the food pantry to the building, letting space to the Literacy Place, and leasing the fields behind the building.
“Cub Scout dens could use rooms, ASL classes, sewing, cooking,” said Chappelle. “I could see Gaelic and whistle lessons there.”
Newport Collaborative made a PowerPoint presentation at last week’s public forum that was nothing short of a history lesson.
“It showed me what incredible architectural assets these buildings are and what exciting possibilities exist with these four town buildings,” said Peter Colombotos, CPC vice chairman. “It was also interesting to learn that retaining most of the existing windows is just as cost-effective as installing replacements.... The center of Bridgewater is a treasure that, with a little care and planning, can provide great benefits.”
Last week’s public forum, as well as a historic tour of the buildings, can be seen on Bridgewater Cable Television.