525 Mill Street Building set for third act

The three story building that once held teaching and learning before serving as the home of the Springfield School District administrative offices is poised  for the next chapter in its storied history. The classic building will soon be renovated and revived to provide affordable housing to our Springfield community.

Following discussions in executive session, the school board voted during their Monday, October 18^th board meeting, to formally accept the offer of $800,000 by the Lawlor Real Estate Group.

The Lawlor group was one of three offers before the school board, who ultimately selected the proposal based on:

• the overall financial package,
• a commitment from the organization to work to maintain the external façade of the building – an item of importance to many including the Springfield Historic Commission,
• and the value of adding additional affordable housing units to the Springfield market.

While additional closing and rezoning steps are required it is likely work on the building to begin its new life commence in the coming year.

The sale closes the school district’s chapter after the administrative offices moved from the site in December of 2017. Subsequently, the school board declared the building surplus property and moved to begin the process of selling the asset. The process was slightly delayed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.