Request for Letters of Interest
For use of 42 South Main Street
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Deadline: December 1, 2025
Calling all historians, preservationists, and community builders! The Civic Standard is moving to a new space and is seeking someone to take ownership of 42 South Main Street and to maintain the building as a cultural and community asset to Hardwick.
Overview
The Civic Standard has grown in and cared for this building to the extent of its organizational ability and now seeks a new owner who will bring the same thought, intention, and community spirit to both 42 South Main Street and the town of Hardwick. To learn more about how the Civic arrived at this decision, read the newsletters shared with community members in February and June.
The organization is requesting letters of interest from parties who would like to maintain the space and all carrying costs. Letters should include the proposed scope of the project, a plan for the end use and upkeep of the space, commitment to the town of Hardwick’s flood resiliency plans, as well as the fiscal ability of the applicant to manage this project.
The experience and track record of the proposing entity in the local community will be one of the main factors in evaluation. Letters should be clear in the history of the proposer and how they have or will contribute to the future of Hardwick, Vermont.​
42 S.
Main Street
Building History and Maintenance
42 South Main Street is a historic 4,418 gross square foot, three-story (not including an unfinished basement) building on 0.07 acres in downtown Hardwick. On the Hardwick property maps it is identified as parcel 53.2. It is zoned for commercial and residential use.
42 South Main Street was built circa 1860 and remains the oldest building on Main Street in Hardwick. The Civic Standard moved into the building in 2022, originally as renters, and then were given ownership in 2023. Immediately before The Civic Standard, the building was owned and operated by The Hardwick Gazette.
While The Civic Standard has cared for and maintained the building for three years, there is preservation and repair work that has fallen out of the organization’s scope of work and mission. To maintain insurance coverage, historic building preservation standards, and a safe and usable space there are three main projects that need to be completed: painting the exterior, replacing the roof, and stabilizing the foundation. Applicants are encouraged to review the building reports and assessments conducted at 42 South Main Street since the Civic assumed ownership in 2023.
The building is in the National Register of Historic Places (Building #61) and must follow all guidelines and requirements of historic buildings. It is also located in the floodway, and so at a high risk of flood damage. The building is currently enrolled in the FEMA buyout program but, upon the acceptance of a proposal, would be removed from the program without the possibility of re-entrance. Buildings in the Historic Register and the floodway require specific and appropriate permitting for any changes to be made.
How to Apply
All individuals, collectives, and organizations are welcome to apply.
Please submit a 1-2 page letter of interest either to helen@thecivicstandard.org or in person at the Civic (42 S Main St, Hardwick, VT 05843) by December 1, 2025. A small review committee comprised of Civic board members and community stakeholders will evaluate submissions and notify applicants once all letters have been reviewed.
Questions should be directed to Helen Sher at helen@thecivicstandard.org.