Bid for Town owned Building

The Town of Hardwick, Massachusetts is soliciting proposals for acquisition and redevelopment of the George H. Gilbert Historic Schoolhouse, a town-owned property at 179 Main Street, Gilbertville, with proposals due September 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The building is subject to a permanent historic preservation restriction requiring compliance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for historic preservation — a decision-relevant constraint on scope and design.

The 8,680-square-foot building, constructed circa 1903, sits on a 0.993-acre parcel with municipal water and sewer service. The Town solicits proposals for acquisition and redevelopment incorporating preferred uses including housing, office space, studio space, or community uses. The property will be conveyed in "as-is" condition without warranties.

Proposers must demonstrate qualifications and experience with historic preservation projects and submit evidence of financial capacity including pro forma accounts, financing commitments or pre-approval letters from lenders, and business plans with income and expense projections. A performance bond equal to the proposed rehabilitation cost is required at contract award. A mutually acceptable land development agreement will be recorded prior to any mortgage or lien and will govern construction, Town plan review, construction schedules, and insurance requirements.

The Town will award based on comparative selection criteria including proposer qualifications and experience, financial feasibility and business plan viability, and quality of the proposed conceptual site plan. While the Town seeks the highest purchase price, it reserves the right to award based on overall value rather than price alone. Questions are due August 26, 2026. An addendum, if necessary, will be issued by September 31, 2026. Proposals must remain firm for 120 days following opening. Public announcement of the outcome is scheduled for September 28, 2026. Respondents must submit five hard copies and one PDF digital copy in a sealed envelope.