- 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
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, July 19, 2024
Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee met to approve meeting minutes with 6-0-3 vote via roll call (audio)
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee met to approve meeting minutes with 6-0-3 vote via roll call (video)
The Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee met as scheduled Wednesday, July 17, 2024 in Council Chambers with a hybrid quorum. 2 members in Chambers, 3 via Zoom, and one via phone call for a total of 6 members of the 9, three were absent.
The Franklin TV video broadcast of the session is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/AiXAHBkF0sU?si=sE9Ygr4XdzO0vFLU&t=211
The agenda was to convene and approve the prior meeting minutes. All the minutes were approved by the same 6-0-3 vote via roll call. The 2 minutes for June 2024 were approved as amended to correct some name spelling for the Dean College participants. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dt_meeting_agenda_7.17.24.pdf
Davis Thayer Ruse Subcommittee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee
My notes were captured during the meeting and contained in one PDF file https://drive.google.com/file/d/12g_QTbKXKluDaNWBJPhTmRiBg5hCx8zQ/view?usp=drive_link
![]() |
Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee - agenda for July 17 meeting at 4 PM |
Monday, July 15, 2024
Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee - agenda for July 17 meeting at 4 PM
a. July 18, 2023https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2023-07-18_davis-thayer_reuse_minutes.pdfb. August 15, 2023https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_minutes.pdfc. September 19, 2023https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2023-09-19_davis-thayer_reuse_minutes.pdfd. October 17, 2023https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2023-10-17_davis-thayer_reuse_minutes.pdfe. November 28, 2023https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2023-11-28_davis-thayer_reuse_minutes.pdff. June 10, 2024https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-06-10_davis-thayer_reuse_minutes.pdfg. June 25, 2024https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-06-25_davis-thayer_reuse_minutes.pdf
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee scheduled to meet Tuesday, June 25 at 7 PM
a. 7:00 to 7:20 - Dean Collegehttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/rei_davis_thayer_letter_of_interest_proposal_narrative_and_project_description_-_dean_college.pdfb. 7:20 to 7:40 - Pennrose, LLChttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/pennrose.pdfc. 7:40 to 8:00 - HFA and TMC Propertieshttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/tmc_hfa_davis_thayer_submission_email.pdfd. 8:00 to 8:20 - Camford Property Group, Inc.https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/camford_property_group.pdf
a. Draft Letter https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-06-26_davis-thayer_reuse_committee_recommendation.pdf
Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee scheduled to meet Tuesday, June 25 at 7 PM |
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Cmte Pauses until after Expression of Interest generate returns (video)
1. Town Administrator Updates2. Continued discussion of potential future uses and Open Houses
- a. Expression of Interest
- b. Appraisal
- c. Kaestle Boos Study
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Photos from Davis Thayer Open House - Saturday, Oct 21, 2023
![]() |
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 |
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Cmte plan for Open House (10/20 & 10/21), recommends "Expression of Interest" be issued (audio)
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
--------------
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
--------------
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!
------------------
![]() |
Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Cmte recommends "Expression of Interest" be issued (audio) |
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee Subcommittee - agenda for Meeting Oct 17, 2023
Monday, September 18, 2023
Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee - Agenda for Sep 19, 2023 meeting at 7 PM
a. Arts and recreation centerb. Police stationc. Various housing options
Friday, August 18, 2023
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
--------------
The meeting agenda ->
The draft facility condition report ->
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"
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Davis Thayer Reuse Cmte hears & discusses multiple options (video)
Monday, August 14, 2023
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 OBSERVATIONSOn 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.
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - August 15, 2023 - 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.
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 |