GREENFIELD — City officials are hopeful the former First National Bank on Bank Row will once again become a “living part of the downtown community,” now that they have issued a request for proposals seeking ideas for the building’s reuse.
“The private sector can be very creative,” said Community and Economic Development Director MJ Adams. “It’s in a great location; the views from the roof are extraordinary.”
The building, which last operated as a bank in 1976, consists of 6,600 square feet on both the ground floor and basement levels, plus a 670-square-foot mezzanine. It still features several elements of its earlier days, including a circular check-writing kiosk, doors to the bank safe and a corner-office fireplace.
Responses to the request for proposals for the acquisition, renovation and redevelopment of the building at 5-9 Bank Row, which was issued Wednesday morning, are due by 11 a.m. on March 16.
“Now that we have finalized plans to breathe new life into the (Wilson’s Department Store) building on Main Street, we are renewing our efforts to reactivate the First National Bank building to support revitalization efforts and contribute to a vibrant downtown,” Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said in a statement. “This is a building that has a lot of potential. Possible uses range from retail or entertainment to a boutique hotel or food hall. We’re excited to see what developers might have in mind.”
At one point, the community eyed the building as a performing arts space, according to Adams. Since then, however, with the success of the Shea Theater Arts Center and the launch of Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, the market demand for such a venue “evaporated.”
After more than 40 years of dormancy, the building — which was owned for about 15 years by the nonprofit Franklin Community Development Corp. before it was acquired by the quasi-public Greenfield Redevelopment Authority in 2017 — will require significant interior renovation.
Under its ownership, the Franklin County CDC repaired the facade, installed a new roof, removed hazardous waste, and replaced windows and doors.
Due to a historic preservation restriction, the granite facade will need to remain intact, Adams noted. The original clock and decorative stone parapet that once adorned the building are in storage and must be reconstructed.
“This is not going to be an easy project,” Adams said. “We’re hoping this becomes a living part of the downtown community.”
A tour of the building is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. Interested individuals can contact Chief Procurement Officer Laura Phelps at 413-772-1549.
The complete request for proposals is available on the city website at bit.ly/3VHqUNp.
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.