Ayer, MA – In August 2010, Bonnet Realty purchased the 1872 vintage building located in Ayer known as The Nutting Block. Built by Emily Nutting in 1872, the Nutting Block is the westernmost brick building of the 1872 – 1898 period on Main Street in Ayer. Constructed with Second Empire styling, the Nutting Block features three second story bay windows on the Main Street façade with accompanying double hung windows on the third floor. A slate mansard roof rises from a double-bracketed wood cornice, with arched dormers.
Subsequently, this building was purchased by Daniel W. Fletcher circa. 1899, and operated as a tailor/clothing shop until 2006. The First and second floors functioned as part of the retail business, and the third and fourth floors were reserved as residences. Prior to Fletcher’s ownership, the first floor remained a shop; the second floor housed a lawyer’s office, and the third and fourth floors were vacant.
At the 2011 Ayer annual town meeting, voters approved Bonnet’s request for a $250,000 Community Preservation Act grant. The renovation project satisfied two of the CPA’s four core missions: the preservation of historical sites and the creation of affordable housing.
While honoring the building’s historical characteristics, Bonnet put their sights on creating six single bedroom rental units above the first floor retail space and 2,400sf of retail space on the first floor which could be subdivided or available to one larger tenant. The project also received a $750,000 Department of Housing and Community Development grant which was administered by the Ayer Economic Development Office.
During the groundbreaking ceremonies held in December, 2011, many local area and state dignitaries that attended made the following comments: DHCD Associate Director of Community Services Leverett Wing appeared on behalf of the Patrick Administration and said the project created “a lot of buzz” in his office and resulted in a “win-win for everybody”. State Sen. Jamie Eldridge said the creation of the affordable housing within walking distance of the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line (across Main Street), The Nashua River Rail Trail bike path, and the proximity of walkable services was a stellar example of the governor’s Smart Growth development initiative.
Following the Construction bid process and after careful review, Bonnet contracted with Senate Construction Corp. of Shirley to complete the renovations to the aged mixed-use structure.
Senate and Bonnet teamed up with Architect Laurie Crockett of Acton and began the journey of the renovation.
Senate began a selective sub-contractor bid process for the several divisions of work involved. The project, being partially funded by HUD monies, had to adhere to the particular HUD, Davis Bacon Wage Determinations of the pre-determined dates.
Demolition and a full abatement of the property commenced in January of 2012. The building’s entire interior was completely demolished, leaving only the original roof, floors and structural walls in place. All original doors and windows were removed along with all exterior trims.
There was concern regarding replacement of the exterior trims to be matched with the exact profiles and location. The local lumber supplier was able to replicate several types of trims including corbels, crowns, cornices and casings. All trims were fabricated from a PVC material, pre-painted and attached to the building with special fasteners for longevity.
All of the double-hung windows were replaced with historically approved windows fabricated from aluminum with a factory applied baked on enamel and paint color to match the original green of the building.
The entire roofing system was replaced along with upper EPDM roof and the slate on the mansard was replaced with the exact colors and shapes of the exiting slate. Copper gutters, flashings and down spouts were also added to the façade. The entire interior of the building was renovated to meet modern Building Codes.
All new Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC and Fire Protection systems were also incorporated into the overall plans. For comfort, the entire structure now offers an efficient heating and air conditioning throughout.
With any major renovation and especially with a building that was originally constructed in the 1800’s, there were many unforeseen and surprise conditions encountered, but with a team of over 30 sub-contractors and vendors, the entire project was completed in approximately seven months.
A Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place in August of 2012.