Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Cmte Pauses until after Expression of Interest generate returns (video)

The Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov 25 at 7 PM. They got an update on the "Expression of Interest" (EOI) and given little other work to do immediately determined to suspend meetings for a few months until the EOI provided some information, assuming someone did reply to the EOI.

Agenda:

1. Town Administrator Updates

• a. Expression of Interest
• b. Appraisal
• c. Kaestle Boos Study

2. Continued discussion of potential future uses and Open Houses

The agenda doc has the remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-11-28_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVBycM44AM

The Artsy Box creation by Molly Dee brightens up the corner near Davis Thayer

Photos from Davis Thayer Open House - Saturday, Oct 21, 2023

I did get to spend sometime wandering in and amongst the rooms large and small in the former Davis Thayer Elementary School. Approaching its 100th anniversary, it opened in 1924 as Franklin High School, it is now a town facility looking for what its future will be.

Members of the Davis Thayer Reuse Committee were present to sign folks in and answer questions, or share reminiscences. 

A few highlights are shared here: 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XtaVunE3F7PGv5d6A

There are more photos in the album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tXnMSzjQCuRwcUvu6

at the entrance

deep in the dark, wonder if anyone know when and who did this art work?

good reworking of JFK's quote

a lonely pencil sharpener

student art on the wall of one corridor

the scoreboard, reworked by Glenn Jones, will end up at the Historical Museum

the building plaque for the high school (also destined for the Historical Museum)

cafeteria kitchen

artifacts found in the office

inside the vault

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Cmte plan for Open House (10/20 & 10/21), recommends "Expression of Interest" be issued (audio)

FM #1080 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1080 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio for the Davis Thayer Reuse Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in the Council Chambers. 

The committee discussed plans for the open house, additional advertising (use of the sign board at the school), capture ideas from visitors, etc.

Members expressed interest in issuing an “Expression of Interest” to see what it could turn up and perhaps further the discussion. Would need to recommend for Council to authorize. Discussion on timing to issue in January and timed for the 100th anniversary of the building.

Question raised and clarified that the deed search when the Town took possession from the School did reveal naming of the building needed to be Davis Thayer but there was no other deed restriction to the Town for anything, use etc.

The recording runs about 66 minutes, so let’s listen to the Davis Thayer Reuse Committee meeting. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1080-davis-thayer-reuse-cmte-mtg-10-17-23

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The meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-10-17_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8_QiwPYZYo 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zJX52iJt-u672LPcWd-jEXo7djYwCu4S/view?usp=drive_link

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news or www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Cmte recommends "Expression of Interest" be issued (audio)

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee Subcommittee - agenda for Meeting Oct 17, 2023

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 17, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Open House discussion

2. Continued discussion of potential future uses

Agenda doc contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-10-17_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee Subcommittee - agenda for Meeting Oct 17, 2023

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee - Agenda for Sep 19, 2023 meeting at 7 PM

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee 

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

Agenda:

1. Discuss potential future uses

a. Arts and recreation center

b. Police station

c. Various housing options

2. Davis-Thayer Cleanout project update

3. Discuss open house dates

4. Adjourn

Agenda doc also includes remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-09-19_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda__0.pdf

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee - Agenda for Sep 19, 2023 meeting at 7 PM

Davis Thayer Reuse Committee hears & discusses multiple options for the building (audio)

FM #1040 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1040 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio for the Davis Thayer Reuse Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 in the Council Chambers. 

The committee heard and discussed many ideas for possible reuse of the former school building. Police station, community arts center, housing, and recreation headquarters were among the key items mentioned. Splitting the land into 2 parcels was suggested. Another was to build a new municipal building in addition to the police station and sell off the current municipal building was a new idea.

Multiple parties apparently being invited to the next meeting proposed for Sep 19 at 7 PM. Police Chief, arts and recreation, and housing trust representatives among the key participants suggested to provide insights to the discussion.

Arrangements being finalized for movers to clear the facility to enable open houses for the community (and committee) to view the building, Open houses likely to be scheduled in October. 

The recording runs about 80 minutes, so let’s listen to the Davis Thayer Reuse Committee meeting. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1040-davis-thayer-reuse-cmte-mtg-08-15-23

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The meeting agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf 

The draft facility condition report ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/davisthayer_existing_cond_draft_v2_1.pdf 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/HRdzWScNZCA 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nQU6e9arZuu33HTFtMjnY_eVf084AKBU/view?usp=drive_link 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news or www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting

Davis Thayer Reuse Cmte hears & discusses multiple options (video)

The Davis Thayer Reuse Committee met on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023 as scheduled and heard/discussed many ideas for possible reuse of the former school building. Police station, community arts center, housing, and recreation headquarters were among the key items mentioned. Splitting the land into 2 parcels was suggested. Another was to building a new municipal building in addition to the police station and sell off the current municipal building was a new idea.

Multiple parties apparently being invited to the next meeting proposed for Sep 19 at 7 PM. Police Chief, arts and recreation, and housing trust representatives among the key participants suggested to provide insights to the discussion.

Arrangements being finalized for movers to clear the facility to enable open houses for the community (and committee) to view the building, Open houses likely to be scheduled in October. 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/HRdzWScNZCA

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nQU6e9arZuu33HTFtMjnY_eVf084AKBU/view?usp=drive_link

Facilities Director Mike D'Angelo (center) and the consultants

Reminder: Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - August 15, 2023 - 7 PM

The draft facility conditions report is interesting reading even though it is incomplete. An entire section (Section 2) covers various code compliance requirements. 

Section 3 covers the building conditions (page 18 of 55) which opens with the following text:

STRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS

On February 24, 2023, in the company of Mr. Mike D’Angelo, the Facilities Director for the Franklin Public Schools, I visited the former Devis Thayer Elementary School at 137 West Central Street in Franklin, MA for the purpose of conducting a preliminary evaluation of the current physical condition of the building based solely on my visual observations. It is our understanding that the city is very interested in the historic preservation of this building and its potential reuse for some other type of occupancy rather than educational. The former school building has been vacant for some time, but well maintained, heated, and secured. 

The following report is based upon our general impressions, and not on any detailed structural analysis, which could be performed, if necessary, under a later study. This report will outline any obvious structural deficiencies or limitations that would affect the continued use of the building. 

The building was constructed in 1924, as can be seen on the buildings cast stone inscription. There are no original building plans available for this review which would indicate the framing sizes and direction of framing for the various building areas. However, the existing drawings for the renovations performed in 1972 are available for reference. The footprint of the present building appears to be identical to the original construction. The portable classrooms and rear fire escape were demolished some time ago.

Continue reading the draft report in preparation for the 2nd meeting of the Davis Thayer Reuse Committee on Tuesday, Aug 15 at 7 PM.

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf

The Existing Conditions Report (2023) from Kaestle Boos. can be found here.

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - August 15, 2023 - 7 PM

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - August 15, 2023 - 7 PM

The Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee will meet on August 15th, 2023 at 7pm. 

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf

The Existing Conditions Report (2023) from Kaestle Boos. can be found here.

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/davis-thayer-reuse-advisory-subcommittee-meeting-august-15th-2023

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - August 15, 2023 - 7 PM

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee - agenda for meeting July 18, 2023 at 7:00 PM

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 18, 2023 - 7 PM

Agenda:

1. Town Clerk Oath of Office

2. Member Introductions

3. Legal Overview: Open Meeting, Public Records and Ethics Laws   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/mark_memo_presentation_-_ethics_0.pdf

4. Committee Charge Review   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2_dt_committee_charge.pdf

5. Overview and discussion on the current study by Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.

a. Historical Materials & Studies on Davis-Thayer

i. Study for the Davis-Thayer Elementary School (2013)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2013_davis_thayer_study_final.pdf

ii. Franklin School Department Studies

1. Townwide Comprehensive Facilities Assessment Report (2020)   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_comprehensive_facilities_assessment_-_final_updated_12.1.2020_1.pdf

2. School Department Davis-Thayer Website (2021)   https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

6. Discussion on meeting schedule -

a. Next Meeting Date August 15th, 7:00PM

This is a meeting of the Franklin Town Council Sub-Committee; under the Open Meeting Law, this subcommittee is a separate "public body" from the Town Council. Therefore, unless the Town Council has separately notified and posted its own meeting, Councilors who are not members of this subcommittee will not be permitted to speak or otherwise actively participate @ this meeting, although they may attend and observe. This prohibition is necessary to avoid the potential for an Open Meeting Law Violation

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dt_meeting_agenda_-_july_18_2023.pdf

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Cmte page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee

Davis Thayer School sign from May 2019