By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough-The best and most efficient use of the Walker Building in downtown Marlborough will be discussed by the Operations and Overview Committee of the City Council in early January 2016. Councilors referred the request made by Mayor Arthur Vigeant for a feasibility study of the building, as proposed by Tim Cummings, executive director of the Marlborough Economic Development Committee (MEDC), at the council’s Dec. 7 meeting.
The MEDC has researched an estimate for the cost of a study and is requesting input from the City Council before moving forward.
“The Walker Building is a beautiful and iconic structure on Main Street, but half of its 60,000 square feet of space is vacant,” Vigeant said in his request to the Council. Any future use of the building would be predicated upon its exterior not being altered, he emphasized.
Cummings has received quotes ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 for a study to be conducted by an architectural firm. He said this technical review would provide the city with the information necessary to decide how best to maximize its value
Several city departments are currently operating from the Walker Building, including Veterans Services, United Way/Food Pantry, Human Services, and the Retirement Board. State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton also has an office there.