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Winchester meeting approves sale of Main Street parcels for proposed 'Hope Building' condominiums
Summary
Town meeting approved the sale of 508/516 Main Street and 30 High Street to a developer proposing a four‑story, market‑rate condominium called the Hope Building; the developer is seeking a two‑year tax abatement and estimates an 18‑month construction timeline.
Winchester's special town meeting on Jan. 20 approved the sale of town‑owned properties at 508/516 Main Street and 30 High Street to a private developer proposing a four‑story condominium and street‑level retail project known as the Hope Building.
Town Manager Harrington presented the proposal and said the developer plans a roughly 14,580–15,000 square‑foot building with luxury condominiums on the upper floors and about 3,700 square feet of commercial space at street level. "They are looking for a 2 year tax abatement from the date, that they're taking ownership of the building," Harrington told the meeting, and the developer expects the project to take about 18 months to complete.
An attendee asked whether tax abatements would be offered; Harrington confirmed the two‑year abatement request and said the developer has been working with an architect to slightly expand the size of the proposal. Another resident raised safety concerns about the access easement serving 30 High Street, asking, "And how unsafe that ease easement is where there's no walls or anything in there?" Harrington said the town does not own that easement parcel and that the developer and current owner would address access and safety as the project moves forward.
After discussion the meeting moved to a motion to approve the sale, which was seconded. Ballots were distributed and tallied by registrars; the clerk reported 24 votes cast with 23 in favor and 1 opposed, and the sale was approved. The authorization directs the town manager to finalize and execute all documents necessary to complete the sale in compliance with applicable laws.
Harrington noted the existing structure on Main Street will be demolished to make way for the new building and that 30 High Street would become a paved parking area dedicated to the new building's residents. Developers identified at the meeting included Jerry and Dina of Garamelle Development Group, who Harrington said are associated with the Main Street proposal. The town indicated the final site plan and any required easements or conditions will be worked out as part of closing and permitting.
