A deal to purchase the Fisher College building on Elm Street has been finalized, according to Town Manager Michael Borg.
Borg made the announcement at the April 24 Town Council meeting. He told councilors that lawyers from the town and the school made an agreement to sell the building to the town for $2.3 million. The town is planning on converting it into a regional food pantry and senior center.
Borg asked the council to approve the sale and allocate $5.2 in approved American Rescue Plan Act funds for the purchase and additional renovations.
“I can tell you we have come to an agreement with Fisher College with a purchase and sale,” Borg said. “I am asking for your support.”
The council voted 8-0 to refer the motion to the Finance Subcommittee for review.
The current senior center building, the Howard Estate, is leased by the town and is set to expire in two years. It has served as the senior center since 1975. Among the issues with the building is limited space for group activities.
The Fisher College building, which went up for sale in November 2022, became an ideal site for the regional food pantry and senior center due to its location and price. The Boston-based school put its North Attleborough building up for sale on Dec. 12 after students transitioned to online learning over the last several years. According to Coldwell Banker, the property—which includes a daycare center—has a price tag of $3.2 million.
According to Borg, the town has also looked to establish a new senior center and food pantry at the closed Allen Avenue School. However, costs to renovate the site rose due to inflation. Borg said the purchase of the school building rose from $5 million to $7 million over the past year. He said the purchase of the Fisher building, however, would be cost-effective.
“The affordability of this project at the 451 Elm Street location benefits the town,” he said. “The renovations required would be cost affordable.”
