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Date: 10/17/2023
MONSON — The Monson House of Art was spared the wrecking ball after the Select Board rescinded a vacancy and demolition order at the Oct. 10 meeting. The focus has now shifted to restoration and securing a long-term lease.
In September, the board voted 3-0 to force the Monson Arts Council to vacate the 200 Main St. headquarters in the coming months. Monson firefighters would have occupied the space until renovations on the firehouse were complete, followed by demolition.
After public outcry and time to mull their decision, the board sought to save the Monson House of Art. Town and Fire Department officials had argued that razing the structure was necessary to improve access for emergency vehicles.
Town Administrator Jennifer Wolowicz’s Sept. 30 email flipped the conversation, stating that solid community feedback opposed demolition and that a solution was needed to save the historic structure.
In support of the new initiative, Wolowicz announced a fundraising campaign had already secured $3,900 from donors.
Selectman John R. Morrell and fellow members later regretted their decision.
“The vote I took Tuesday [Sept. 12] was strictly based on taxpayer dollars,” he said. “It was a big lack of communication between all involved.”
Morrell stressed preserving the town’s cultural landmarks. “Someday that building will have to come down for reasons of its own. But why should we rush to erase some of our history? I don’t think we should allow the Fire Department personnel to move into that building,” he said.
Selectman Peter Warren said he heard from family, friends, and people he never met about saving the historic building.
“It was abundantly clear through phone calls, emails, and text messages that I made a mistake, and I shouldn’t have voted that way,” he added.
Chair Patricia A. Oney addressed the previous decision’s implications.
“Had the town continued to extend the lease that it had 24 years ago and been more proactive about the care over that period, the building wouldn’t have fallen into disrepair,” she noted.
Oney further stated that public safety should be one of the main focuses of town government. However, many residents wish to consider and prioritize other options.
While the Select Board recommended the Monson Arts Council purchase the property, members countered that securing a lease was paramount to applying for grants and other funding.
Reed Cole, the vice president of the Arts Council, emphasized the crucial role art and culture play in Monson.
“This event has highlighted how vital art and culture are not just to our town but to all communities. Placemaking has become a significant effort everywhere,” he said.
Cole acknowledged the importance of public safety and expressed gratitude for the Fire Department.
“We want to ensure our town has the very best. The overwhelming support we receive from the community as a volunteer organization attests to our shared commitment,” he added.
The Select Board announced forming a subcommittee focused on preservation and long-term sustainability for the Monson House of Art. The board appointed Warren to the newly formed subcommittee.
The potential for leasing proposals and grants for arts and sustainability suggests a promising future for the Monson House of Art. The Monson Arts Council remains central to the building’s preservation as the town moves forward.