With no redevelopment interest, former Greenfield bank’s future unclear

By MARY BYRNE

Staff Writer

Published: 07-28-2023 1:37 PM

GREENFIELD — With a request for redevelopment proposals garnering no responses, the future of the former First National Bank remains uncertain.

Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said she doesn’t expect that the city, in collaboration with the Greenfield Redevelopment Authority that owns the building, will go out to bid again. She does plan, however, to discuss the long-vacant building with new Community and Economic Development Director Amy Cahillane, who begins in the role on Monday.

“I’ve had some interesting ideas come forward,” Wedegartner said, “but they all cost money.”

Jean Wall, a member of the Greenfield Redevelopment Authority, said the authority hasn’t met in quite some time, at least since the bid process closed. Responses to the request for proposals for the acquisition, renovation and redevelopment of the Bank Row building were due March 16.

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.

After more than 40 years of dormancy, the building — which was owned for about 15 years by the nonprofit Franklin County Community Development Corporation before it was acquired by the quasi-public Greenfield Redevelopment Authority in 2017 — will require significant interior renovations.

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, former Community and Economic Development Director MJ Adams said previously. The original clock and decorative stone parapet that once adorned the building are in storage and must be reconstructed.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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