The Gray Building - Northfield, Vermont

Challenges

Since its closure in 1994, the Gray Building has been vacant. During that time, this 10,000 square foot, two-story building has suffered substantial neglect and deterioration. This majestic building, with a proud history of community use and enjoyment is now a hazard to public health, safety and welfare and is an attractive nuisance for delinquency and crime. Additionally, it is an eye sore that inhibits private investment, economic development and job creation in the adjacent village business district.

The scope of the rehabilitation work required to comply with current codes and make the building functional for office and commercial uses includes: providing access to persons with disabilities; constructing approved means of egress from all floors and locations; complete replacement of the electrical service; installation of fire and smoke alarm systems; installation of a sprinkler system; complete replacement of the heating and ventilating systems; repairs to the building structure and the installation of new finishes.

Private investors would not be able to recoup their capital investment through rental income at current market values, which makes this redevelopment project a good fit for a non-profit venture.

The Gray Building has already been successful in raising significant public and private funds for the redevelopment with major grants from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the federal government and private donors.

In November 2003, with the help of Senator Leahy, the Coalition received a $250,000 appropriation from the US Department of the Interior.

"This is an opportunity to save a piece of our history that has served so well as an educational institution, while also serving Northfield's future. This project continues the tradition in Northfield of meeting the needs of children and supporting volunteer efforts throughout the community."
Senator Patrick Leahy
Senior Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and of its Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies

In January 2004, Governor Douglas awarded the Coalition a $250,000 block grant through the Vermont Community Development Program that allows us to specifically "alleviate the blight," which means protecting the building from further deterioration.

We have also received significant gifts from individual contributors.