A quick note…

The following ideas are for demonstration purposes only, to help bring the concept to life.

  1. The following examples are real properties within Wayland, MA. Gathered Hearts does not own these properties. They are currently owned by developers facing resistance from the community and town conservation approvals to move forward with their plans.

2. These ideas below are not ready to be acted on. First and foremost, we need to gauge the community’s desires and needs to ensure we provide spaces that will serve. Also, assessments on feasibility and collaboration with town committees would need to take place.

That aside, let’s dream big and play around with possibilities…

Small Space Neighborhood Example

This is a smaller property on a 0.65 acre plot with three structures and mature trees that can be repurposed. The house has been abandoned for over 5 years. It is on a busy intersection, adjacent to businesses, which makes it unappealing as a home, yet close to the neighborhood.

Pros

  • This location is perfect as a community gathering space as it abuts a lively neighborhood and is easily accessible.

  • Existing structure and trees can be repurposed

  • Abuts a protected stream, which will bring beauty and support wildlife in the garden areas. We would need to be mindful to protect the habitat, working closely with the conservation committee.

Opportunities

  1. Gift shop and bookstore on the 1st floor of the large existing two-story house. (Here are a few examples of homes turned into bookstores). Solar panels could be added to this building to support power needs.

  2. Small café (mainly drinks and snacks) in the area of the existing garage/shed. Nearby restaurants are full-service dining, this is just to grab a drink before or after a class, or out on a morning dog-walk.

  3. Large outdoor garden and seating area amongst the established trees.

  4. Rentable workshop space in the large barn. Multiple rooms of varying sizes.

  5. Perhaps an outdoor rentable space (yoga platform overlooking a small pond or the stream).

Concerns

  • Not much room for parking. To mitigate this, the hope is that this space is more for the surrounding neighborhoods, and this community can walk or bike to this space. Ample bike and stroller parking can be supplied.

  • Additional bathrooms will need to be added. We’d need to determine if a larger septic tank would be required and feasible. Perhaps state-of-the-art compostable toilets could be an alternative option.

Large Space Town Example

This is a larger property on 6.49 acres with existing structures and mature trees. Many of the former greenhouse structures can be repurposed into meeting and events spaces. The property has been abandoned for over 5 years. It is on a busy street and easily accessible.

Pros

  • Easily accessible, as it is along a major commuting route

  • Ample existing parking

  • Existing structure and trees can be repurposed

  • Adding gardens and wildlife support to this property would benefit the children’s camp experience adjacent to this property.

Opportunities

  1. Reception and gift shop at entrance of main building.

  2. Small café (mainly drinks and snacks) to grab a drink before or after a class.

  3. Large outdoor garden and seating area amongst the established trees.

  4. Indoor rentable workshop space. Multiple rooms of varying sizes.

  5. Large outdoor, covered space overlooking a large pond

Concerns

  • Traffic along route gets bad during certain times of the day, but perhaps we can work events schedules to avoid contributing to the congestion.

  • Additional bathrooms will need to be added. We’d need to determine if a larger septic tank would be required and feasible. Perhaps state-of-the-art compostable toilets could be an alternative option.