It's time to get creative again and with a fire causing the loss of a popular Southington restaurant, this week we are asking readers to take part in planning to rebuild - or to make something new. Put on your planning hats cause Visions for Vacancies in back.
Let's call this a modern spin on community planning - Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table.
Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts people most to sleep. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community?
The Southington Town Council last Monday approved a motion accepting the Beecher Street building back from the Board of Education, but after an exploratory bidding process revealed little interest in the building, it's unknown what it may become.
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The 100-year-old building is located just a short walk or drive from dowtown Southington and with three stories, there are many possibilities. Southington Town Councilman John Barry has suggested opening a discussion on whether to consider it as a site for more housing to meet the needs of the Southington Housing Authority.
The location has also been part of discussions related to the Gurs Building as a site for a community arts center. With the Southington Community Cultural Arts gaining approval to move towards developing a center at the Gura Building, however, that concept seems out of the mix.
Is that the best use of the building? Or do you have something else in mind?
Should the building be renovated as housing, a set of offices, or something entirely different? Is it time to simply tear the building down and start completely new?
We want to know the best way to make that business thrive again. How would you propose to fill the vacant spot? Your thoughts could make a difference, so share your input now!
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Having been a school at one time, there would be rooms for teaching, a gallery, storage etc. Non-profit or Not for profit would eliminate the need for a retail store.
I'm sure the Southington Historical Society could be of help in finding enough to fill the building.