The City of Norwich seeks development proposals for the Rehabilitation of city-owned real estate at 98 Washington Street known as the Dr. Patrick Cassidy House. The parcel contains approximately .34 acre of land with an 1890s three and one-half story Victorian style home. Many of the original features remain, with elegant oak, cherry and mahogany woodwork, heavy sliding doors that recess into the walls between the living room and dining room, majestic fireplaces, large windows and a tower. The right side entrance near the kitchen has cabinets where deliveries of flour, sugar and ice could be deposited in bins. Inside the interior walls was an intercom system for occupants on one floor to communicate with those above or below without shouting up the elegantly carved main staircase with oak railing. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the Chelsea Parade Historic District of Norwich.
While the city recognizes the extensive damage of the historic home, because of its National Register listing and its significance to the community, the city seeks proposals to have the property redeveloped in a method that preserves historic character but also provides the best option of redevelopment for both the city and potential purchaser. Preference shall be given to those proposals that plan to use a state, recognized non-profit, or federal historic Preservation funding program for the property, such as federal tax credits and/or the Protect and Sell Program. The city plans to provide the property in as-is condition. The city offers prospective buyers the opportunity to tour the property by appointment.
The purpose of this RFP is to select and recommend to the City Council a proposed developer for the redevelopment or reuse of 98 Washington Street as part of the City of Norwich’s effort to revitalize properties that are considered blighted and/or abandoned. The Program offers City owned real estate to individuals or entities willing to rehabilitate the property for residential, commercial, or non-profit use in compliance with all applicable municipal requirements including zoning restrictions. The property will remain owned by the City of Norwich until work is completed on the subject parcel. When title is transferred, it will be pursuant to a quitclaim deed in consideration of one ($1) dollar and, if applicable, a commitment to complete all necessary improvements within twelve (12) months of the date of execution of the development agreement. The City may agree to convey the property at an earlier date to permit the financing