Thorne Building renovations may start by spring

MILLBROOK — The village of Millbrook held a public hearing on Saturday, March 16, for residents to meet with members of the Thorne Building Cultural Committee, the newly-formed 501(c)3,  to talk about the plans going forward for the future of the Thorne Memorial Building. The sales contract has been signed; a vote of 3-2 allowed for the signing to take place at the last regular Village Board meeting on Feb. 26.

Committee members and others, on behalf of the committee, included Oakleigh Thorne, George Whalen III, Grace Rosa, Planning Committee Chair Charles E. Pierce Jr., Patsy Pollack, Rev. Matthew Calkins, historical architect John Waite and attorney Allan Rappleyea.

More than 25 residents attended the meeting, which was  primarily question and answer.

A workshop committee was formed at the request of Millbrook Mayor Rodney Brown to address the Thorne Building and its future in Millbrook. The building is located at the entrance to the village at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Maple Avenue. It was given to the village to be used as a school in 1895 and served as a school until 1962. It has been largely unused since the mid 1990s.

A planning study was undertaken in 2004 to determine what could be done with the property, but a referendum to decide what to do with the building failed at the time. 

This time, the committee was careful to include the public, holding three public meetings last fall, and to use a consultant to conduct discussions and surveys.  

The questions asked at the meeting on March 16 included questions about the “reverter clause” that states if the building is used for non-educational purposes the deed is to revert back to the heirs of the Thorne family. About 80 of the heirs have already been contacted and have reportedly shown no interest in the building. Other heirs are being sought, but the committee said it anticipates the sale going through with no problems. There was talk that since the building was last used for educational purposes in the ‘60s, the reverter clause may not even be valid any more. 

One question that arose was if there’s any asbestos in the building. Though the committee doesn’t think so, it said a plan is in place should any be discovered.

Financial concerns were also raised, like how much will it cost to renovate? The answer? About $10 million. Fundraising and donations will pay for the bulk of that cost, according to the committee.

The initial plan is to start on exterior renovations and repairs in early spring, 2019, at an estimated cost of $1.5 million. Because this is a renovation, and not a new building, not all of the money has to be in hand to start the project. After the exterior is done, repairs can be done according to need, possibly starting on the main floor and working up from there.

There is a kitchen in the building, which could be used for different purposes. The theater could be used for streaming events such as operas and concerts, for movies and for live performances. To make the building handicapped-accessible, there are plans for an elevator.

Many residents want the building used for multi-cultural and multi-purpose projects, and hope it will become self-sustaining through rental fees and other endeavors.

There are still skeptics, though, as many promises have been made through the years. When this was brought up at the meeting, Thorne replied that there is a need for trust. 

“If you want us to fix the building, we will,” he said. “If you don’t want us to fix the building, we won’t.”

Some at last week’s meeting said they were not comfortable with some of the language in the contract, but the resolution to enter into the contract passed 3-2.

Some concern was also raised about the 501(c)3 not being able to raise the full amount of the renovation. Though it conceded there is always that risk, the committee has already raised the money needed for the exterior renovations. It’s hopeful community involvement will remain strong, and that municipal pride will go a long way toward volunteerism and fundraising.

Altogether, last week’s meeting was positive. Thorne and Whalen both let it be known that there is no room for negativity.

“I know things have not happened in the past, but don’t lose that enthusiasm,” said committee member Grace Rosa. “Forget that negativity. This is Millbrook, so let’s be positive.”