RFP - Feasibility Study & Business Planning for the Re-use & Cultural Activation of Union Building

The Town of Dunstable, Massachusetts is requesting proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study, business planning, governance analysis, and financial modeling for the adaptive reuse and cultural activation of the historic Union School Building, with proposals due September 8, 2026.

The scope encompasses feasibility analysis of the 129-year-old Classical Revival-style building (constructed 1895, a contributing property to the Dunstable Center Historic District); market demand assessment; governance structure recommendations; financial projections and funding strategy; and cultural activation planning. The consultant must analyze current building conditions, evaluate reuse alternatives identified in prior community engagement (membership-based maker space, event rental space, youth or community center programming on the first floor; artist studios or office space on the second floor), address code compliance for change of occupancy from Educational to Assembly use, and develop actionable recommendations for sustainable mixed-use operation. The engagement includes stakeholder engagement, market analysis, financial modeling, and delivery of a comprehensive final report addressing planning, financial, and governance aspects.

Prior feasibility work by the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments and Spencer Preservation Group has established capital cost estimates: exterior restoration at approximately $983,963, interior Phase 1 improvements at $870,128, and interior Phase 2 systems upgrades at $697,807, for a combined project cost of approximately $2.55 million. The building is structurally sound with identified needs for roof and masonry repointing, selective siding and trim repairs, lead paint abatement, fire suppression and heating/cooling system installation, and accessible entry via elevator. Community input from two workshops and a survey of nearly 200 responses strongly favored preservation as a town-owned property with mixed community-focused and revenue-generating uses. Potential funding sources include state historic and cultural grants, Community Preservation Act funds, and private funding.

Funding for the planning study derives from the Town of Dunstable's municipal budget and potentially available state or federal grants for historic preservation and community development. The contract term spans full scope of work from initiation through final report delivery, with specific milestones established within the RFP framework.