Proposals for rehabilitation of the building are due in less than two months.
Kenneth Magarian, who works with the Westfield State University advancement and university relations staff, peeks into an old cell in the former courthouse building and Westfield Normal School during a tour for potential developers Thursday.WESTFIELD – Westfield State University, city and business leaders said they were encouraged Thursday by the interest potential developers have shown toward the reuse of the college’s original training school on Washington Street in the city’s downtown.
A tour of the building Thursday attracted the attention of at least six potential developers.
Built in the late 1800s, the building is owned by the Westfield State University Foundation, which has a vision of creating downtown student housing but will also accept proposals for reuse as commercial and retail.
“While we would like student housing, we are wide open to whatever is the best use,” Foundation director John M. Wesolowski said.
He and Gerald W. Hayes, WSU vice president of administration and finance, said they are “encouraged” by the new interest in the building which included Thursday’s tour turnout as well as other inquiries they have received from potential developers.
Also encouraged was Jeffrey R. Daley, Westfield city advancement officer, and Lisa G. McMahon, director of the Westfield Business Improvement District.
“This building is a very important part of the city’s effort to redevelop our downtown,” said Daley.
Daley also pointed to several parcels, within short walking distance, that the city is interested in having redeveloped.
“The BID is very excited and wants to see this building developed,” added McMahon.
Also, Kate E. Phelon, newly appointed director of the Great Westfield Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are interested in steady growth and filling vacant buildings in the city. It will be fabulous to see this building occupied.”
One local developer expressing interest Thursday was Ziter S. Saloomey of Saloomey Construction.
“I am interested in this building,” said Saloomey. “It is a great old building. I am always interested in older buildings,” he added.
Saloomey recently completed renovations at three buildings along nearby Elm Street for Domus Inc., a non-profit human services agency.
WSU Foundation is accepting proposals for the property until March 4 and the bid package is available on-line at www.wsc.ma.edu/docs/rfp.pdf.
The college had hoped to sell the Washington Street building last year to Boston Realty Associates, which planned to create an Academic Village. The plan would have created housing for 90 students at an estimated renovation cost of $8 million. Juan M. Cofield, president of BRA, announced last July that he was unable to secure funding for the project.
The college reacquired the structure in 2006 as part of its plan to return students and programs to the downtown area.
The city has assessed the building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Buildings, at $355,400. The building has been closed for several years and previously was used as Westfield District Court.
The Foundation re-acquired the building in 2006 for $325,000, according to city records.
Hayes and Wesolowski acknowledged that financing for the building’s reuse remains a problem.
But, Hayes added, “the economy seems to be improving and that, along with city efforts to revitalize the downtown, leads us to be encouraged about the future of this building.”
College officials have said their goal is to expand residential presence, allow for academic and cultural space and incorporate retail and business opportunities while supporting downtown development. The Washington Street property has potential to meet all three objectives, Hayes said.
On nearby Thomas Street, Lansdowne Place has been leased by the state to house WSU students. Currently, more than 100 students reside there and that will increase to just over 200 in September, officials have said.