After two years of seeking permits, the Heritage Companies are ready to move forward with the renovation of the historic 19th century Winthrop-Atkins Mill Complex, 35 East Main St.
It will be converted into a 71-unit apartment complex that will include affordable housing units and an office building.
In 2008, Winthrop-Atkins offered to donate the property to the town but the town declined even though a feasibility study had recommended the town buy it and convert the former mill building into apartments.
“We did not want to own another vacant property. We already owned a few,” said Town Manager Charles J. Cristello
Assessor-appraiser Barbara Erickson said the 11-acre site, which abuts the Nemasket River, is appraised at about $2 million.
“There’s a spectacular view from up there,” Erickson said.
Michael Kiley, head of construction for the project for Heritage Companies, said Heritage has a purchase and sales agreement for the property. He could not estimate the cost of construction until November, when the permitting process will be completed.
Kiley said, though, the renovation will begin during the winter followed by an 18-month construction period.
Currently an eye-sore to the neighborhood, the renovation will be a boost to the area located on Route 105 in close proximity to downtown Middleboro.
“It will be a terrific project for the town. It involves the restoration of a classic mill building that is now deteriorating, creating new housing options, as well as affordable units,” said Cristello.
Dana Crow, an engineer with Advance Concepts representing Heritage Co., said the public will be pleased with the building, which can be viewed from Route 105.
“The actual architecture of the factory, I think in the end people will find rather stunning when the project is completed,” said Crow.
Selectmen last week voted unanimously to issue a special permit under the Water Resource Protection District by-law to install an emergency access driveway within 25 feet of wetlands. It also allows installation of a drainage out-fall and for the creation of a wetland replacement totaling 5,064 over two acres.
“We are looking forward to this project, we know it is going to be terrific for our town,” said selectmen Chairman Alfred P. Rullo, Jr.
Renovation swill include the 19th century Star Mill and Walker buildings, which contain about 155,000 square feet of space.
The Star Mill, the older of the two buildings, was incorporated in 1863 and manufactured cashmere. The company closed in the 1920s after a labor strike.
Winthrop-Atkins Co., founded in 1919 by Horace K. Atkins as a photo-finishing business, occupied the Star Mill complex in 1944.
A Boston area firm, the Heritage companies has developed and incorporated more than 1,000 residential units through the rehabilitation and re-use of mill-type and older properties according to its website: www.heritagecos.com
