Richard Vinette, executive director of the Lee Community Development Corporation, said yesterday that "the next three weeks are critical" for the Bookless Building, which is next door to Town Hall on Main Street.
Winstanley Associates and its sister company, Lenox Softworks, are considering a move from Lenox to downtown Lee, taking over 15,000 of the 18,000-square-foot, three-story structure. However, the move hinges on the town securing a state grant of up to $1 million toward developing a 54-space parking lot on private land behind the building. The town applied for the state funding in late December.
'We want to go ahead'
St. George's Episcopal Church and its governing diocese have agreed to use the church's open land for the parking lot and to raze or relocate the rectory to allow an entrance/exit via Franklin Street.
"We still want to go ahead with this plan," said the Rev. Donna Trebilcox, the church's pastor. "The CDC may soon request a letter from us asking for an official commitment."
Three key abutters to the parking plan — Dr. Peter Cerutti, Verizon and First Congregational Church — are crucial "to reach a consensus on project concept, design and implementation," Vinette wrote in the grant application.
"We are waiting to hear from the CDC regarding
Winstanley Associates' owner Nathaniel Winstanley remains cautiously optimistic about relocating and expanding his marketing and design firm.
'I am not getting my hopes up'
"After what happened in Lenox, I am not getting my hopes up," Winstanley said by phone from his office. "But, yes, I would like to move forward in Lee.
"I know what's available in Berkshire County, but I have not actively looked elsewhere."
His plan to expand in his Main Street location in Lenox fell through last year. He was later courted by Lee officials.
Winstanley has said that it would cost "a couple of million dollars" to renovate the Bookless Building, especially the upper two floors, which have been deteriorating for years.
"I am doing my due diligence to see what it will take to renovate the building," he added. "But it's not in my best interest to start spending money until the town can move forward." He also said that his employees and clients must have parking close by.
Although Winstanley has no option to buy the property, he has been in contact with the owners, who are aware that his offer to fix up the 132-year-old commercial structure must be part of the grant application.
Winstanley said last fall that he expects to increase his 35-member work force over the next five years.
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