Jaffrey is seeking potential partners for the redevelopment of the former W.W. Cross property, a site the town now owns and hopes to revitalize as part of its downtown redevelopment efforts.
The town has issued a request for qualifications, which will be accepted through the end of January, seeking proposals to redevelop the former W.W. Cross manufacturing facility on Webster Street.
“Redevelopment of this site is key to the revitalization of the Jaffrey Downtown,” the request for qualifications reads. “By addressing the appearance of ‘blight’ in the business district, the community can make strides in continuing economic development and housing rehab projects.”
The town is seeking a development partner and is proposing a lease-purchase agreement with a selected developer. Proposed projects would need to be built within a two- to five-year period following contract approval.
Jaffrey’s stated goal is to work with a partner to create a mixed-use retail or commercial development on the site.
The site
For a downtown location, the W.W. Cross site is comparatively large at 7.5 acres.
“At approximately 7.5 acres, the site has the largest footprint of potential economic development in the entire Downtown district,” the RFQ reads.
The building was partially destroyed in a five-alarm fire in 2020, and the town officially acquired the property by tax deed in 2023. In 2024, the town received a Brownfields Cleanup Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has since begun remediation efforts at the site.
The remaining structure, excluding the foundation, was demolished this fall. The town continues to test the soil and plans to remove material containing potential environmental hazards.
The town has conducted multiple community information-gathering sessions related to downtown development, including workshops and a market analysis focused specifically on the future of the W.W. Cross site.
Located within walking distance of Main Street and the Peterborough Street plaza, the site offers access to restaurants, churches, the local elementary school and Route 202. It is served by municipal water and sewer, has three-phase power in place, and has access to high-speed internet through Fidium Fiber.
The town’s redevelopment strategy envisions a mixed-use project combining commercial and retail space with residential uses, as well as community gathering areas intended to serve youth, families and seniors.
In selecting a development partner, the town said it will place significant weight on a credentialed team with experience in mixed-use development, creativity and vision for the site, experience with comparable projects, sufficient staffing and resources, and a proven work history.
All reports, documents, maps and materials submitted in response to the RFQ will be treated as public information. For information, contact Jo Anne Carr at jacarr@townofjaffrey.com or at 603-532-7880 x 110.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.