Building next to Cradock bridge for sale

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Scott Cytacki

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Oct 5, 2023, 8:32:09 AM10/5/23
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I've noticed that the building next to the Cradock bridge is for sale. 

I've thought for a while that if this building wasn't there the square would be better.
The path through clippership park would have a much better ending instead of a tight corner around this building. The park and more of the square could be seen while approaching. It would open up more options for an improved crossing of main street. Crossing clippership drive would be safer because cars turning onto it from the bridge would be able to see better.

Anyone else agree? Any chance we can get the city to buy it and tear it down?

In the map below it is labeled as "Mystic Driving School"
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Scott

Ken Krause

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Oct 5, 2023, 10:09:18 AM10/5/23
to WalkMedford

Oh, no, Scott!

While I’m all for improving the walking and bicycling conditions in Medford Square (especially in this particular area), tearing down a still reasonably handsome and sturdy brick building of historical significance is not the way to go about it!

First of all, I don’t think the entire building is for sale; I believe what is for sale are the condos that were recently created in a very expensive renovation; a number of units are listed for sale, in the $750,000 range.

Second, the structure – known as The Granary Building (c.1850s) – is one of the few remaining relics of the days when Medford Square was a thriving commercial/industrial center, with shipbuilding and other operations tied to the Mystic River. (A much larger, longer building used to be attached to the rear of what's standing today; see photo below of the area, long before I-93 bisected the city).

Rather than eliminating such a valuable and irreplaceable building, a better approach by the city would be to work with the owner to convert the first-floor space (now vacant, I believe) into a welcome center – including replacing the off-putting wall of bricks facing the sidewalk with larger, inviting windows.

Inside the welcome center could be information about historic destinations such as the Royall House & Slave Quarters and Salem Street Burying Grounds, both within a very short walking distance but largely invisible to casual visitors to Medford Square today. Such a display might prompt bicyclists and pedestrians to linger in and explore the Square and its attractions, businesses and restaurants, rather than just ride on through.

Let’s celebrate and capitalize on this unique link to our past. I’d love to see that include restoring the classic advertising mural that’s faintly visible on the north side (see photo). That would be a handsome and eye-catching way to draw attention to this structure, an ode to Medford’s past being put to good practical use today.

And back to improving the bike/ped network: let’s jump-start the discussion and planning for a path on the OTHER side of the Mystic River (in the wide swath next to the I-93 off-ramp) that is part of the Mystic Greenways Initiative, which will connect 25 miles of paths, improve hundreds of acres of parklands and engage thousands of community members from the Mystic Lakes to the Boston Harbor.

 -Ken Krause

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Emily O'Brien

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Oct 5, 2023, 10:58:36 AM10/5/23
to Ken Krause, WalkMedford
An alternative to a Welcome Center could be a commercial space with the hope of it becoming a coffee shop or cafe or something along those lines that would appeal to path users. Those two things aren’t mutually exclusive. But someplace right on the path where you could get a drink or snack with a friend, maybe with outdoor seating options as well, would be a really nice path amenity. 

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Ken Krause

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Oct 5, 2023, 11:34:40 AM10/5/23
to WalkMedford
Definitely. Some communities (Brookline maybe?) have even taken to requiring new development or redevelopment projects to have first-floor retail space. 
And, unless the building owner is exceptionally philanthropic and/or community minded, a lessee paying top dollar for first-floor retail space probably would be more appealing than a city- or nonprofit-operated visitor or welcome center. Faster to get up and running too. But one never knows.

Oh, and another nearby destination that soon will be opening just down the street is the Arts Collaborative Medford arts center at 162 Mystic Avenue.

-Ken

Steve Schnapp

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Oct 5, 2023, 3:37:16 PM10/5/23
to Ken Krause, WalkMedford
Good ideas. Thoughtful discussion. We can’t achieve perfection but, with more conversations and transparency on redevelopment plans, we can have an improved city square that benefits pedestrians, cyclists, the local economy, and the environment. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 5, 2023, at 11:34 AM, Ken Krause <kenneth...@comcast.net> wrote:

Definitely. Some communities (Brookline maybe?) have even taken to requiring new development or redevelopment projects to have first-floor retail space. 

Ellery Klein, WalkMedford

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Oct 6, 2023, 10:28:26 AM10/6/23
to Ken Krause, WalkMedford
I'm going to push back and say that not every old building is worth preserving; in my opinion there is an unhealthy obsession with preserving any old building that is old as "historical." Historical preservation isn't any good without also acknowledging the current needs and aesthetics of the living. Frankly, when I look around at Boston now, I see an extremely tired and derelict city, that hasn't had the imagination to build for the present or the future for decades now, with a lot of rotting and outdated buildings that a few people are holding on in my option, often irrationally. Over in Europe, a quite historical place one might argue, they aren't so afraid to build new and build for people that live here, now. 

That said, I can be persuaded that this one should and could be made more use of as a historical building, if we're going to keep it. Adding retail on the first floor with perhaps a hallway that has elements of local wayfinding and historical explanations seems like a good use to me. But we should push the owners to make it look less like - pardon my french - a complete dump. Because it kind of does right now. If we're not going to invest in making our old buildings beautiful and serving the public, what's the point in holding on to them if they don't spark any joy for the community? Is there any upkeep requirement from the City of Medford for an owner of an old building?

I know in Emoryville, the mayor worked with a local building to make a bike path go through an opening made out of the first floor of an old factory that cut a path in two, which could also be an appealing option in the days of climate change. A fun option.
Also a public bathroom for Medford Square and transit users could be another option, something that is severely lacking in most public spaces in Medford and is, I have found, a real issue when one is ditching a car and walking, biking and taking transit in lieu of most trips. That and a coffee shop - or a pop-up retail venue that changes with the seasons! with outdoor river seating could be a lovely option. 

I know the city has retained some kind of consultant to investigate the last connection between the Clippership and the Mystic River Path, which is essential if we are going to have a true and safe connection and route for our middle schoolers and high schoolers to get between the square, West Medford, South Medford and the Middle Schools and Hormel Stadium. I'm sure we can find a way to do this; it just takes imagination and political will. If anyone sees Alicia Hunt or the Mayor or anyone else from the planning office, feel free to ask them about it as it was only mentioned to me in passing and I haven't had time to follow up on it and get more details. 

A connection between MRP and the Clippership is one of the main goals of WalkMedford right now - if the last bit, which is either MassDOT or City of Medford to complete, is done, it will transform car-free transportation in Medford. If it languishes another ten years like the Clippership did, it will be a tragedy. 

Ellery Klein
Chair, WalkMedford 

Jamie Thompson

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Oct 6, 2023, 10:31:27 AM10/6/23
to walkm...@googlegroups.com, Scott Cytacki
Just as a clarification, the building isn't for sale, a condo in the building is for sale.   It was purchased and they converted the upper floors to condos.

Jamie Thompson
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Never trust wiring instructions sent via email. Cyber criminals are hacking email accounts and sending emails with fake wiring instructions. These emails are convincing and sophisticated. Always independently confirm wiring instructions in person or via a telephone call to a trusted and verified phone number. Never wire money without double-checking that the wiring instructions are correct.

<image.png>

Scott

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Jamie Thompson

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Oct 6, 2023, 10:32:54 AM10/6/23
to walkm...@googlegroups.com, Scott Cytacki
Apologies, just read Ken's response.  he already caught that.

Jamie Thompson
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Never trust wiring instructions sent via email. Cyber criminals are hacking email accounts and sending emails with fake wiring instructions. These emails are convincing and sophisticated. Always independently confirm wiring instructions in person or via a telephone call to a trusted and verified phone number. Never wire money without double-checking that the wiring instructions are correct.

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