LUDLOW, Vt. – The demolition of 136 Main Street in Ludlow, the former location of the Book Nook – which has since relocated to Lamere Square – began on Friday, Oct. 16. This is the first step in the planned redevelopment of the site. The foundation of the former Pot Belly Pub, located next door at 130 Main Street, was also removed.
The developers recently reported that, “After analyzing the feasibility of replacing the Pot Belly building with a restaurant and apartments, it was decided the abutting building, which was deemed unsafe, would be incorporated into the new design.
“The intent is to still build a beautiful new building with an all-new Pot Belly restaurant. To follow the requirements in modern zoning, the developers have engaged local permit specialist Ted Reeves and local builder Ed D’Ottavio of DCI Concepts to navigate the process.
“The site is being cleaned up and leveled for the safety of pedestrians, and to look presentable during the winter months…Hazardous materials were removed and mitigated at great expense. There were two newer furnaces that were removed from the Book Nook building and donated to a church in Cavendish.
“The first step is done, now onto wrapping up final designs of how the building will be sited. When completed, this new building will be the crown jewel of Main Street. [This process] takes time…Each table in the new restaurant commands a certain number of parking spaces. It is a puzzle that needs to be solved, along with the feasibility of building apartments that will help fund the overall construction.
“The developers look forward to working with local officials and townspeople as they navigate this process.”