Project Summary Community: Great Barrington, Massachusetts Technical Assistance: Market Analysis Former Use: Dry Cleaners and Variety Shop Future Use: Coffeeshop, co-working space, florist, or wine bar Retail or lifestyle space Small craft maker, florist, bookshop, boutique, jewelry store, coffee shop, other specialty retailers Craft brewer, wine bar, or other drinking Drinking place establishment Household and Childcare, adult care, doctor's office, dentist Personal office, chiropractors, therapists, bank, or services similar business Knowledge worker or co- working space Work from home employees, information- based entrepreneurs, and businesses Space Type Tenant Types As the largest town in the Southern Berkshires, Great Barrington is known for its natural beauty and rich culture. The Town is focused on revitalizing and promoting economic activity in its downtown Main Street. Ried Cleaners operated as a dry-cleaning/laundromat business for over 60 years before it ceased operation in 2006. The Carpenter's Variety site at the south end of Main Street was originally built as a gas station in the 1950s but has since been used for retail activities. The Community's Challenge Great Barrington faces challenges including an aging population paired with low population growth rates prior to COVID-19, resulting in stagnant housing development and increasing affordability concerns. However, the COVID pandemic brought renewed influx of people into Great Barrington looking for access to the outdoors and small town amenities. With this growing interest in the Town, Great Barrington saw an opportunity to revitalize two properties in the Main Street commercial district with the priorities of the current and future population in mind: locally serving businesses and high paying jobs, improved walkability and bike-friendly roads, sustainability, and preserving the community's culture and natural beauty. EPA's Land Revitalization Technical Assistance In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Land Revitalization Program provided contractor technical assistance to perform a market analysis to identify redevelopment opportunities for the vacant Ried Cleaners and Carpenter's Variety buildings. The results of the market analysis illustrate the importance of lifestyle-related retail and office space that can further spur economic growth in Great Barrington. The real estate analysis reinforced the redevelopment potential of commercial space and illustrated the strengths of the retail and office markets within the County and Town. Potential reuses of the Ried Cleaners and Carpenter's Variety properties include businesses such as a coffeeshop, co- working space, florist, or wine bar that could enhance the downtown shopping district and add affordable office space for local entrepreneurs and work from home employees. While affordable housing is not viable on these sites, focusing on these reuse options will help the Town further enhance the amenity-rich community that current residents and visitors enjoy. Recommendation Summary Table for Target Sites For more information, contact Dorrie Paar, EPA Region 1 Brownfields Program, at paar.dQrrie@epa.aov or Jim Byrne, EPA Region 1, at bvrne.iames@epa.gov. &EPA United States Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization Environmental Protection Agency 560-F-22-024 ------- |