Clinton Town Council Announces Progress on Pierson School Redevelopment
The Clinton Town Council is pleased to announce that the Town continues to move forward with the chosen developer for the Pierson School – Xenolith Partners and HOPE Partnership.
Key Developments:
- Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA): The Town and its developer-partner have come to general terms of a PSA for the former Pierson School. The plan is to convert the building into senior housing and create a space for the Town to offer senior center programming.
- Special Town Meeting: A Special Town Meeting will be required to authorize the signing of the PSA, the council will announce the date of the meeting soon.
- Project Plans and Approvals: With the PSA in place, Xenolith will prepare their applications for local land use approvals and seek state funding to support the adaptive re-use of the Pierson School. Under the agreement, the historic 1930s facade of Pierson School will remain intact. The Vece Gazebo and statues of Abraham Pierson and Charles Morgan will continue to grace East Main Street. The gazebo area will become a park for continued public use, along with dedicated parking. Importantly, the developer will provide a lease back to the Town, converting the old Pierson gymnasium and additional interior space into a new home for Clinton Senior Connection, which provides programming for local senior citizens.
- Purchase Price and Public Benefits: The agreed-upon purchase price is $500,000. Unlike the sale of the Morgan School, which was sold without restrictions, the Town has played a more active role in the re-use of the Pierson School by requesting it be used for senior, affordable housing and asking the developer to provide additional public benefits and public space both on the property for community gatherings and in the school for a senior center.
- Closing and Construction Timeline: The town and Xenolith anticipate closing on the property in 2026 after securing land use approvals and financing commitments.
- Deed Restriction Resolution: The Town is diligently working with its attorneys to resolve the deed restriction on the property, which came with historic funding from Charles Morgan and the Morgan Trust (or cy pres). It is anticipated that this will be settled soon.
The Town is excited to move this important project forward and see new life brought to Pierson School and our Main Street. This redevelopment will provide much-needed senior housing and community space, preserving the historic character of the building while enhancing its use for future generations.