The Town of Hopedale announced today that following a vote at Annual Town Meeting in May authorizing the sale and redevelopment of the historic Hopedale Town Hall building located at 78 Hopedale Street, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued to sell and redevelop the property.

Over the past two decades, the Town has explored renovating the property or finding alternative uses for the building other than Town offices due to its condition. Town meeting had voted against comprehensive renovation work in 2011, and a proposal to move Town offices to nearby Adin Street did not gain support. Town offices will be relocated to suites acquired by the Town at 54 Hopedale Street.

Of the sale, Hopedale Selectboard member Scott Savage said that the opportunity “marks a difficult but bold step forward,” and added that any future redevelopment of the site will be focused on “honoring our past through keeping the façade of the building intact,” a sentiment echoed by residents at Annual Town Meeting. Chairman Savage added “I hope that along with other initiatives currently underway, this will be a symbolic and strategic move towards a new chapter in Hopedale’s long and esteemed history.”

When reached for comment, Town Administrator Mitch Ruscitti said this of the disposition and move: “the Town is committed to providing a safe work environment and meeting space for both employees and the public. In meeting with the Health Director and Building Commissioner, it became apparent that the building was no longer suitable for those purposes,” adding that “repairs to this building to bring it to modern standards and required ADA safety mechanisms would be nearly $20 million.”

Bids are due to Town Hall on Sept. 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. The RFP and all corresponding documentation can be found at www.hopedale-ma.gov, COMMBUYS, and through the Central Register. The award will be made based on Selectboard review and projected community impact.