PUBLIC WORKSHOP Re-use of the Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library Professional Team: The Cecil Group, Inc Peter W. Smith, Inc. Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates December 14, 2010
AGENDA Introductions The Process Existing Conditions Community Goals and Priorities For Future Uses Moving Forward
THE JST AND OL RE-USE STUDY TEAM The Cecil Group Team The Cecil Group Peter W. Smith Associates Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates The Community Provide ideas and direction Understand community interest Define future vision and build consensus
THE PROCESS
JOSIAH SMITH TAVERN/OLD LIBRARY SETTING
JOSIAH SMITH TAVERN Past and Present Total Building Area Tavern (6,450 S.F.) and Barn/Connector (8,570 S.F.) Site 6.61 acres (much of it in wetlands) Context t Across from Town Green, small public playground on site, and adjacent to St. Julia s Church Original portion of the Tavern constructed in 1757 by Josiah Smith Tavern doubled in size including a second floor meeting room in 1805 Connector and barn added in the early to mid 19th century. Used as private residence and business during first half of 20th Century
JOSIAH SMITH TAVERN Past and Present SPNEA received the property as a gift from the Jones sisters in 1951. Women s Community League (WCL) renovated barn in 1975 for clothing exchange and function space. Town acquired the property in 1983 for municipal purposes from SPNEA (now Historic New England) HNE retains 500 year Historic Preservation Restriction which applies to Town and all future owners. WCL lease extended in 2002 for a 10 year term ending on June 30, 2012.
JOSIAH SMITH TAVERN Past and Present CPA funds used for exterior repair and restoration including walls, windows and roof. Tavern requires some structural repairs, insulation, and extensive code work. Reuse of the property will require building code and system upgrade. Major renovations will require new septic system; wetlands in the rear and ledge in the front limit the possible locations for the leaching field.
OLD LIBRARY Past and Present Total Building Area 7,960 S.F. (Upper Floor, Lower Floor and Mezzanine Site 0.63 acres with 10-12 parking spaces Context Located at corner of Boston Post Rd and School St. across from Town Green Constructed in 1899 as the Town s public library Children s Entrance added in early 1920s.
OLD LIBRARY Past and Present New library was built in 1996 replacing OL as the Town s public library Last occupied in 1995 and used sporadically for Town offices. Very significant historic building (WHC) due to location, contribution to National Register Historic District, architect and architectural a style, and importance to Town s history and culture. Building is structurally sound but significant repairs required to exterior, interior and building systems. No work has been done on the exterior of the Old Library.
EVALUATION OF EXISTING CONDITIONS Gain Shared Understanding of Buildings and Context t Building and Site Conditions, Configuration, Constraints Community Context, t Setting and Aesthetic Characteristics Environmental Attributes and Constraints General Traffic Patterns and Conditions Parking Availability and Constraints On Site And Surrounding Area General Market Conditions, Constraints and Opportunities In Weston
SHARED PARTICIPATION IN THE FUTURE The Community Engagement Process Meetings with Town staff and officials meetings Discussions i with civic i organizations, property owners, interested residents, and other stakeholders Public listening session Community visioning and scenario building workshop Relevant case studies and precedence Community survey (optional) Public presentations of draft and final report
DEFINING COMMUNITY GOALS FOR FUTURE USES Potential Criteria for Evaluating Re-Use Options Historic preservation and enhancement Compatibility with adjacent properties and uses Environmental resource quality and protection Traffic and circulation Parking demand and location Active and passive recreation impacts Visual impact on surrounding area Benefits of use of buildings and sites Future ownership Capital investment (public or private)
PRECEDENTS Case Studies Evaluate relevant examples of town owned buildings and/or sites that have been renovated and re-purposed for new used
MOVING FORWARD Prepare Re-Use Report Community goals and vision ii for the buildings and sites Preferred re-use(s) based on evaluation criteria i Implications of alternative re-use scenarios Necessary revisions to land use controls and policies Identify opportunities to fill market niches Strategies to create civic enhancements Analysis of income and operating costs by user type
MOVING FORWARD Prepare Re-Use Report Implementation and phasing process Identify leading and responsible organizations and entities Evaluate public/private partnership opportunities Identify potential funding sources Timeframe: February 28, 2011 : Report and prepare recommendations suitable for potential placement on the warrant for spring town meeting
KEYS TO SUCCESS Broader understanding of facts and choices for the Town Building community consensus for appropriate and beneficial use Set the stage for Town decisions and to create a straight path to appropriate uses
PUBLIC WORKSHOP Re-use of the Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library Presented by: The Cecil Group, Inc Peter W. Smith, Inc. Howard/Stein-Hudson Associates December 14, 2010