Visions for Vacancies: Filling the Void on Beecher Street

It won't be an arts center. It's not going to be the new home for a Housing Authority development. So what's left for the former Board of Education building on Beecher Street?

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?

An exploratory bidding process found no takers the first time around and the town is trying to determine whether to back to bid. Or maybe tearing the building down would be better.

The 100-year-old building is located just a short walk or drive from downtown Southington and with three stories, there are many possibilities.

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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