The town of Weston is requesting Letters of Interest regarding the adaptive reuse of the town’s historic Josiah Smith Tavern and the town’s Old Library.
According to a statement, 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."
Letters of Interest are requested for submittal by noon on Dec. 14. A Request for Proposals will be issued in early 2012, according to a statement.
The town will consider proposals for purchase or long term lease of either or both buildings.
The Josiah Smith Tavern is an 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 masonry structure was designed in the English Revival style by a prominent resident architect and is a contributing structure to the town’s Historic District. Weston has already committed almost $1 million to complete a substantial restoration and stabilization project, which aims to restore the exterior integrity of the building and address other issues in anticipation of its reuse.
