Con Chapman

For those who thought the long-running saga of the Josiah Smith Barn and Tavern restoration project would never end, light is beginning to flicker in the Tavern lamp.

Two non-profit groups have moved into the “Tavern” building, which is the two-story structure on the western side of the property.

Weston Forest & Trail has been a strong supporter of the restoration project over the long course of its planning, and will occupy Room 202 on the second floor.

Women’s Community League of Weston will occupy Room 201 on the second floor, and will revive their social events in the restored ballroom on the second floor as well.

Negotiations continue with the Weston Historical Society, which previously occupied space on the first floor.

The barn building on the eastern side of the property will be occupied by a restaurant to be chosen by a competitive bidding process.

Friends of Josiah Smith Tavern is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation formed to restore and preserve the Josiah Smith Tavern and Barn property, and that includes the green space that surrounds the two buildings.

We held a clean-up day this spring to revive the gardens around the Tavern building in partnership with the Weston Garden Club, and plan to continue to maintain the grounds, reducing costs to the Town and, after we take control of the property some time in 2024, ensuring that the site is maintained as an attractive extension of the Town green.

A formal request for proposals process to solicit bids from experienced and credit-worthy restaurant operators is planned to commence in September of this year.  Prior to that time, potential bidders may arrange for site tours of the Barn building where the restaurant will be located.

Outreach to prospective bidders will continue until proposals are due at the end of October.  The highest-ranked proposal will be announced in December of 2023, and negotiations towards a letter of intent will begin promptly thereafter, with a goal of having a final sub-lease in place by the end of February, 2024.  If agreement isn’t reached with the highest-ranked bidder, the Friends will move on to the next highest-ranked proposal.

Target date for commencement of build-out is May 31, 2024, and completion in October of 2024.  The goal is for the restaurant to be ready to open in time for the 2024 holiday season.