Historic Nutting Block / Fletcher Building Renovation
In August 2010, Bonnet Realty purchased the 1872 vintage building located in Ayer known as The Nutting Block, on Main Street in Ayer was built by Emily Nutting in 1872, it 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 was 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.
A Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place in August of 2012.