On September 25, 2024, we presented a proposal to the Town of Sharon for the adaptive reuse of the Sharon Public Library Carnegie Building. Our vision reimagines this historic landmark as a vibrant hub for community growth and creativity.
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Inspired by Sharon's Master Plan, our motivation was to ensure the historic library remains a civic asset to help maximize its ongoing benefit to the residents of Sharon.
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As of November 1, 2024, the Town turned down our original proposal and the subsequent revised proposal as it did not meet technical requirements. Subsequently, the Committee announced a plan to re-issue the RFP.
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SFF urges the Community of Sharon, MA to join it in its mission to maintain this historic building for community use. We would like to broaden our community engagement on this opportunity to build consensus for the best use of the historic library for years to come.
Sharon Carnegie Arts & Sciences Center
In partnership with Creative Development Partners, we developed a plan that honors Carnegie's legacy while addressing Sharon's future needs. If approved, the Sharon Carnegie Arts & Sciences Center will serve as a catalyst for town center transformation, fostering community connections and cultural vibrancy. Our approach to adaptive reuse ensures this architectural treasure continues its legacy of knowledge and engagement, now adapted for contemporary use.
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We believe that an Arts and Sciences Center will stimulate economic growth and support local businesses, strengthening Sharon's commercial foundation. ​It will leverage its prime location near Sharon station, embodying transit-oriented development principles. We envision a walkable, connected downtown that serves as a model for suburban growth, enhancing pedestrian pathways and exploring shared parking solutions to maximize accessibility.
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Community engagement is fundamental to our process. We propose:
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1. Forming a Community Advisory Board to provide ongoing input
2. Hosting regular town halls and design charrettes throughout the development process
3. Creating a project website and social media presence for continuous updates and feedback
4. Organizing "hard hat" tours during renovation to maintain community interest
5. Development partnerships with local organizations for future programming
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These strategies will ensure diverse voices - from youth to seniors, families to entrepreneurs - shape the Center's evolution.
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We are exploring innovative funding strategies, including historic preservation grants, community fundraising, and public-private partnerships, to maximize value for Sharon while minimizing risk. Our plan reinforces Sharon's sustainability goals, including the 2050 zero emissions target, through energy-efficient design and green building practices.
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The Sharon Carnegie Arts & Sciences Center represents a strategic investment in our town's future. It's a multifaceted community resources poised to drive economic growth, foster social connections and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Design Schematic
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