Manchester Town Opengov #25/26-50

Redevelopment and Repurposing of Mary Cheney Library Building in Manchester, CT

This opportunity invites proposals for the adaptive reuse of the historic Mary Cheney Library building in Downtown Manchester, Connecticut. - Government Buyer: - Town of Manchester, Planning Department, Purchasing Division - Project Overview: - Repurposing the 26,135 sq. ft. Mary Cheney Library (586 Main Street, Manchester, CT), a Colonial Revival structure built in 1937 and expanded in 1962 - Building is a contributing property in the Main Street Historic District (National Register of Historic Places) - Products/Services Requested: - Redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and operation of the library building - Acceptable uses: educational, municipal, child care, residential, or other uses (subject to zoning changes) - Services include interior renovations, ongoing maintenance, and compliance with historic preservation and zoning requirements - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Preservation of the building's historic exterior and compliance with Downtown Manchester Architectural Design Guidelines - Proposals must include: detailed statements of interest, project approach and timeline, financial capability, proposed ownership structure, relevant experience, and plans for community integration and historic preservation - Subject to the Town’s Living Wage Ordinance - Bid bond or cashier’s check for 5% of the bid amount required - No OEMs or specific vendors are mentioned, as this is a real estate redevelopment opportunity - Place of Performance: - Mary Cheney Library, 586 Main Street, Manchester, CT (Downtown Manchester)

Description

The Town of Manchester is seeking proposals from established organizations to repurpose the historic Mary Cheney Library building located at 586 Main Street in Downtown Manchester. The building, a Colonial Revival style structure built in 1937 and expanded in 1962, has served as a public library for nearly 90 years and is part of the Main Street Historic District. The Town aims to preserve the building's exterior while transforming it into a vibrant community asset with uses such as educational, municipal, child care, or residential, among others. Proposals may include purchase or long-term lease options and must align with the Town's architectural design guidelines and community engagement goals. Submission deadline is June 1, 2026.

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