New Food & Wellness Vision Planned for Historic Mausert Block
iBerkshires.com reports the owner of the Mausert Block is assuring the Selectmen that there's progress being made at the former Woolworth building across from Town Hall.
Stephen Stenson provided the board with a project update on Wednesday after remarks were made at a past meeting about the slow pace of work over the last six years.
He said the renovation of 10 apartments in the upper floors are nearing completion and there are plans for a shared restaurant and kitchen space as well as wellness collaborative on the first floor.
Tensions flared during a May board meeting when Selectman Joseph Nowak aired his grievances about the lack of progress on the empty building since Stenson purchased it in 2011.
However, work has been slow and last fall REDPM finally got to the point it was able to open an office on the first-floor. The apartments had been gutted for renovation but were largely put back together except for finish work and installing kitchens and baths.
Stenson said he is in the process of applying for a MassDevelopment co-working grant but could not disclose how much he has applied for. He said the grant would be awarded in the fall.
He did ask for a letter of support from the town, which Selectmen obliged.
Chairwoman Christine Hoyt stopped the exchange and although she shared Nowak's frustration, she said it is time to look ahead.
Stenson did extend an invitation to the board to see the apartments when they were complete and the Selectmen agreed they were looking forward to the tour.
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