Interested parties gathered last week to take a firsthand look at the former MBTA power substation that is now up for sale.

By Donald Norton

Last Thursday morning the MBTA held an open house at 76 School Street (corner of Avon and School Streets) for potential bidders who are considering making an offer on the property.

The Massachusetts Realty Group, which is a consultant to the MBTA, had a small area inside roped off because of potential weight issues.

The bids are expected to begin at $487,000 on the 5,700 sq. ft. parcel of land formerly used by the MBTA as a power substation and the bids are expected to be submitted by June 3 at 1p.m.

A look inside the abandoned building. — Photos by Donald Norton

The abandoned building has been an eyesore to local residents over the past 20 to 30 years, including one well-known local abutter, former Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay, who expressed concern that there is probable contamination on the property from the days when it was a substation. This past fall the roof blew off exposing the interior to the elements.

Gay is going to watch the process very closely. She would like to see an open area park on the location. She is very concerned about the contamination and its possible leakage.

The building is historical and any bidder could possibly be prohibited by the Historic Preservation Commission to tear the property down. A small group of investors and a couple of well-known attorneys that represent investors were present and took the short tour of the property.

Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters said he would like to see the property used for a park or open area and not for condos.

For more information on this property offered you can either contact Massachusetts Realty Group at 20 Park Plaza Suite 1120, by calling 617-316-1654 or going online at mbtarealtyweb@greyco.com.

Massachusetts Realty Group is the MBTA’s real estate representative.