JOSIAH SMITH TAVERN AND OLD LIBRARY PROPOSAL

Cover of Weston Town Crier, September 20-26 2012

Urbanica presented a new proposal to the Town of Weston for the adaptive reuse of the historic Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library. The development team presented the exciting proposal to the Board of Selectmen on the evening of September 11 2012 with positive feedback from the board and the town. The proposal is now under evaluation by the Town of Weston and their consultant for the next steps forward.

Envisioned as the "Weston Town Center on the Common", the plan proposes a mixed-use development that will provide a welcoming setting for civic and cultural events and encourage gatherings of local residents. The program will include a bed and breakfast, cafe/restaurant, event space, spaces for the Weston Historical Society and the Women's Community League of Weston and 4 condos at the Old Library.

Kamran Zahedi, principal of Urbanica and longtime resident of Weston, envisions the tavern to be restored into a small-scale bed and breakfast to evoke its origins as a lodging house. Two active community groups, Weston Historical Society and Women's Community League of Weston, will remain and occupy most of the barn and connector while a new addition of a cafe will enliven the town center.

According to The Weston Town Crier, Selectman Doug Gillespie found that Urbanica's proposal "is a very intriguing and a great initial proposal ... at the same time, [he] is looking forward to the feedback from the citizenry". Selectmen Chairman Michael Harrity praised the plan for its responsiveness to significant concerns from the town boards and residents.

Urbanica looks forward to ongoing evaluation and public process and hopes that this exciting project can come to fruition.

For the complete write up by The Weston Town Crier, please click  [HERE] and [HERE] for articles by Weston Town Crier staff writers, Susan Wagner and Michael Wyner respectively.