In early September, occupants of the G&B Cultural Center (49 New St., Georgetown) were notified of “unsafe” conditions in the Town-owned, historic Gilbert & Bennett building, and ordered to vacate the building within 30 days.
As GOOD Morning Wilton reported, the announcement came as surprise to the various artists and artisans who were tenants in the building and who shared their stories of disappointment and disruption to their creative enterprises.
The Town is now advising the tenants they have until Dec. 31 to remove any belongings they may have left behind, according to First Selectman Toni Boucher, who mentioned the new deadline at the Dec. 2 Board of Selectmen meeting.
GMW reached out to Town Administrator Matt Knickerbocker for an update on the beleagured property. Knickerbocker explained that Pat Hegnauer, the former director of the G&B Cultural Center, has been “fully informed” of the latest guidance from the Town. He also said there’s been “nothing but cooperation” from Hegnauer in terms of following the Town’s instructions.
After Dec. 31, the Town will consider any remaining items “abandoned” and could dispose of them. Knickerbocker said he had not recently inspected the building, but other than some “art supplies” that were available for common use at the center, he is not anticipating any unusual items the Town will become responsible for.
Boucher also informed the Board of Selectmen that there was new interest in the building from two parties. She would not disclose any further details, but noted a prospective buyer might take on renovations the building desperately needs, potentially saving the Town more than $3 million it would otherwise have to spend to properly maintain the building in the next few years.
Knickerbocker reported that the Town engaged an environmental consultant to assess the building’s needs after the record-breaking rainfall on Aug. 19 that wreaked havoc on roads and properties throughout Wilton. The storm exacerbated preexisting issues with the G&B building, notably the presence of mold, due to its failing roof and water incursion in the basement. The latest assessment is expected within days.
The Town’s work-in-progress 15-year capital spending plan — which identifies $213 million in building repairs and upgrades needed across Wilton’s schools and municipal buildings — currently does not include any cost estimate for the Gilbert & Bennett building.
Note to tenants: Due to the hazardous conditions, tenants who wish to return to the building must notify DPW Assistant Director Jeff Pardo to request access and wear a mask to enter the building.