The Town of Weston, through its Town Manager, has issued a Request for Proposals regarding the adaptive reuse of the historic Josiah Smith Tavern and the Town’s Old Library.
The Town is seeking redevelopment partners who recognize the unique opportunity to bring new life to this rare set of buildings that occupy a highly visible, park-like site along the Boston Post Road at the edge of Weston’s village center and its expansive Town Green.
A copy of the Request for Proposal can be found at http://weston.org under Request for Proposals – Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library. Responses must be submitted by 4 p.m. on June 7, 2012. Two site visits will be offered – one on April 25 at 10 a.m. and the other on May 3 at 3 p.m.
Questions are due on May 10 no later than 3 p.m. Written responses will be provided to all registered respondents and online no later than one week prior to the date of submission.
The Town will consider proposals for purchase or long term lease of either or both buildings. The Josiah Smith Tavern is a rare, original 18th century colonial tavern with additions and connected barn. A contributing structure to the surrounding National Register district, the tavern complex is subject to historic
deed restrictions recognizing its genuine character. In recent years, the Town has undertaken exterior restoration of the buildings. The Tavern is unoccupied, and retains many original and distinctive interior features.
The Old Library is the original Weston Library, constructed in the late 1890’s and expanded in the 1920’s. The distinctive masonry structure was designed in the English Revival style by a prominent resident architect and is a contributing structure of the Historic District. The Town has already committed nearly $1 million to complete a substantial restoration and stabilization project which will restore the exterior integrity of the building and address other issues in anticipation of its reuse.
via Request for Proposals Issued for Reuse of Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library – Weston, MA Patch.