The MN Spear Library will become vacant with the opening of our new library in town later this year. The Select Board's goal is to preserve this building and explore its constructive reuse by researching feasibility of alternative uses for the building, thereby supporting future Town investment to implement the preservation. Given this, the Select Board is planning to appoint a temporary study committee to evaluate the current MN Spear library building for future uses.
Committee Composition This temporary study committee will consist of seven (7) members appointed by the Select Board. Preference will be given to citizens with experience in real estate, architecture, structural engineering, municipal services or the adaptive reuse of historical buildings. The committee will include representation from the historical commission, buildings and finance committees.
Charge and Purpose of Reuse Committee The purpose of this committee is to consider a comprehensive analysis of potential re-uses for this historic building. The analysis should include future uses by the municipality, including municipal offices and other potential uses by boards, committees, and town organizations. The Committee will provide a comprehensive recommendation to the Select Board for its consideration.
Tasks to be completed:
The Committee shall conduct a municipal needs assessment and develop a conceptual plan for reuse of the building.
The Committee shall actively seek the input and advice of various Shutesbury Boards, Committees and Department Heads as it considers proposing future uses for these facilities.
The Committee shall evaluate and consider adaptive reuse plans by peer communities as templates as it considers proposing future uses for the facility.
The Committee shall engage the public and solicit public input. Public participation could be in the form of an electronic public survey, stakeholder interviews, and public forums.
The Committee shall make a preliminary determination as to potential costs for the reuse options that it identifies as the most viable for the reuse of the building.
Working through the Town Administrator's Office, the Committee may engage the advice and counsel of professional advisors as needed.
The committee shall issue a written report to the Select Board by November 1, 2025, if practicable.
