Town launches phase 2 of St. Gerard’s reuse planning

A plan for the community reuse of the former St. Gerard’s Church is back on track, following the launch of a grant-funded feasibility study that will analyze the property and provide a range of reuse options and projected costs for the town.

“We are excited to kick off this next phase,” said Town Administrator Charles Doody. “This study will provide us with concrete information on the viability of the current buildings for reuse, as well as the possibility of a clean-slate, new-build scenario.”

The nine-acre site, located at 1860 Washington Street, currently includes two structures: the 37,000-square-foot former church building and a 4,000-square-foot former rectory. Previously owned by the Archdiocese of Boston, the property was put up for sale following the closure of the church in 2021, and the town of Canton, with the backing of Special Town Meeting voters, proceeded with the purchase of the site in early 2022.

Shortly thereafter, the St. Gerard’s Reuse Committee, chaired by Doody, was charged by the Select Board with conducting public outreach and a survey to determine suggested uses for the site. According to the final report issued in August of 2023, a community center was the top choice of residents, followed by recreation/open space and educational and municipal uses.

This next phase will involve having an architectural firm examine the current structures to determine their condition and the possibility of converting them into some of the uses suggested by the public survey.

The Boston-based firm UTILE has been contracted for this study, which is being funded by a $40,000 Community Compact grant awarded by the state Division of Local Services.

As part of the new study, UTILE will research and present three conceptual scenarios for the town to consider. The first involves reusing the current buildings as a community center, including relocating the Senior Center and other overcrowded town offices to the site. The second scenario envisions those same uses but in a brand-new building on the site. The third scenario envisions demolishing the current buildings and constructing a new community and municipal complex to bring most town departments and services into one location …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Feb 20 2025. Filed under Top Stories. Both comments and pings are currently closed.