Adaptive Reuse of Significant Structures - view the article here.

Planning Board Report and Recommendation

The goal of the article is to preserve Pepperell's historic and landmark structures, including the old Peter Fitzpatrick School.  This section would provide for the adaptive reuse of unused or underutilized municipal or community-type buildings for residential or commercial use (or combination thereof) that may not otherwise be permitted under the Zoning By-Law.  Adaptive reuse can be applied to different types of significant structures throughout Town, specifically structures used for municipal and community-type uses, such as a house of worship, or benevolent or fraternal society lodges.  Any proposed project would require a Special Permit from the Planning Board and a recommendation from the Historical Commission.  The purpose of the article is to promote adaptive reuse as part of a broader goal of historic preservation, economic development, housing production, and environmental sustainability.  It’s important to note that this article only affects a limited amount of structures in Pepperell, with the goal of maintaining Pepperell’s existing character by promoting preservation of existing significant “landmark” buildings.  This article is particularly important for the old Peter Fitzpatrick School (currently used by the Fitzpatrick Collaborative) as it would allow them to utilize their building for mixed-use development by allowing more uses than are currently allowed in the underlying zoning.  If the article passes, they would be able to have a commercial kitchen, shared office space, a maker space, an art gallery, or even a small café – all while maintaining the exterior building.

List of Potentially Eligible Structures

Map of Potentially Eligible Structures

Check out some great examples of Adaptive Reuse throughout New England here.  Examples of other cities and towns with adaptive reuse bylaws can be found in "Preservation through Bylaws and Ordinances" prepared by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.