Hardy-Pike House May Get New Use As Temporary Town Hall
Former Novel Cafe building now owned by Ira Nissan.
Photos
The Town of Tewksbury is presently in discussions with the parent company of the Ira Motors Group, regarding a lease agreement for the Hardy-Pike House.
The third oldest building in Tewksbury was most recently home to A Novel Cafe bookstore and coffee shop. However, that business closed a year ago and in June, Texas-based Group 1 Automotive purchased it's Route 38 neighbor from Marc Ginsburg.
The long-term future of the building remains in question, although Group 1/Ira officials have expressed a willingness to relocate the building, to allow them to expand their dealership footprint.
In the meantime, the building might wind up having a more practical use. On Tuesday, Town Manager Richard Montuori confirmed that the town is in negotiations with Group 1 to utilize the Hardy-Pike House as a temporary Town Hall, while renovations and expansion are done on the actual Town Hall.
"Nothing has been decided," said Montuori. "But yes, we're talking to them."
The design and construction work could take upwards of two years. The plan had been to move all Town Hall offices to the Tewksbury Senior Center on Chandler Street.
However, if a deal can be worked out with Group 1, that plan would change and all Town Hall offices would move to the Hardy Pike House, said Montuori.
Montuori did not provide a timetable on when a decision would be made.
According to an article appearing in the Lowell Sun, the Tewksbury Historical Commission has endorsed the efforts to lease the Hardy-Pike House and later have it preserved and moved.
In This article
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Ira Toyota
468 Main St, Tewksbury, MA -
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Tewksbury Senior Center
175 Chandler St, Tewksbury, MA
Rusty
8:07 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Was any federal money involved in the construction of the senior center?
Bill Gilman
8:38 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Hmmmmm. Good question Rusty. A bit before my time. I can check but in the meantime, anyone know the answer to that one?
Kathy Spencer
8:46 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
It's wonderful to see this historic site being used particularly for Town Hall. Traffic however is a bit scarey getting in and out at that location. I would be curious to know what the use would be if it were to be moved and where it would be moved to.
Shaun
9:48 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
The expense of moving it would be huge, especially trying to get it down Main St. I bet after the lease runs up and they want to expand the dealership, it will be relocated into multiple dumpsters.
bk
10:13 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Moving to the Senior center would be a good idea.
Its bigger and better parking/access facility.
--B
SD From T-Bury
10:21 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I believe the estimate was $200,000 to move it. Not unreasonable. Hope the lease goes through. That'd give 3 years for planning.
STU
11:06 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
why would we pay any amount to rent anything........the senior center in my opinion will have to do
DonnaMarie Robitaille(Harrington)
9:02 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Town of Tewksbury shouldn't be in discussions to use the PIKE HOUSE at any cost to this community. WE had our chance to accept the building AND the cost to move it as a GIFT from the late John V. Sullivan. The town of Tewksbury choose to reject all offers at the time because Town Manager (& OTHERS) WERE too busy participating in controversy over the firing of the Zoning Appeals Board. It was more important to Mr. Cressman to appease people through politcal moves than do what was best for the Town of Tewksbury. The NEW Appeals Board got application from Mr. John V. Sullivan to sell his property to HERB CHAMBERS MOTORS. He offered the building and all costs paid to us as a gift. At the time, we needed a new police station and there was talk of a new school. The deal was SHOT DOWN because the leadership of this community didnt want to face the political ramifications. WE survive those decisions now. I say no way do we get involve with a plan at any cost to this community. Tell the present owner to step up and donate the building and pay to move it for us. That will be,as it was before,a great deal for TEWKSBURY>