SANDWICH, Mass., June 3, 2024 — The Town of Sandwich has announced the finalization of a transaction to sell the Henry T. Wing School to SCG Development Partners, LLC, a Boston-based firm focused on acquiring properties to create quality affordable, senior and workforce rental communities, and CHOICE, Inc., a nonprofit focused on developing intergenerational community housing opportunities.
Under terms of the agreement, SCG Development Partners and CHOICE, Inc. purchased the property at 33 Water Street for approximately $1.3 million and will construct 128 units of age-restricted rental housing, 80% of which will be affordable. The Town will also acquire a permanent affordable housing deed restriction on the property and a permanent preservation restriction held by the Sandwich Historic Commission.
The Town of Sandwich has also committed to contributing approximately $2.6 million in Community Preservation Act funds to support the creation of the affordable housing units.
The entire multi-phase project, which will involve demolition of the building, with the exception of the original 1927 structure, is anticipated to cost approximately $53 million.
“The sale of the Henry T. Wing School represents a significant milestone in the history of the Town of Sandwich that will benefit residents for decades to come,” said Sandwich Assistant Town Manager Heather Harper. “In addition to investing in much needed affordable housing units for our community members in perpetuity, we have also successfully negotiated to retain and restore the historic original school building that was built in 1927.”
Construction on the first phase of the project at the former elementary school is expected to begin immediately.
“We look forward to a long and successful partnership between the Town of Sandwich, SCG Development Partners and CHOICE, Inc.,” said Ralph Vitacco, Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Town of Sandwich. “Adaptive reuse of surplus municipal buildings for affordable housing is an effective and cost-effective method to enable residents to remain in their communities and contribute to the local economy and workforce.”
About the Town of Sandwich, Massachusetts
Incorporated in 1639, Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod. Located approximately one hour from Boston, the town borders Cape Cod Bay and the Cape Cod Canal and is a vibrant year-round community and popular vacation destination. The population of Sandwich was approximately 20,000 residents as of July 1, 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Additional information can be found at www.sandwichmass.org.
