Former Bennington school gets $1.5 million investment

BENNINGTON, Vt. (NEWS10)-- The former Bennington High School building on Main Street received $1.5 million through the Brownfield Revitalization Fund. The state program's investment will support efforts to convert the previous school building into a mixed-use facility.

The 10,000-square-foot building has remained vacant for over 20 years. The investment will support the development of 39 housing units and commercial space.

The Bennington Meals on Wheels program, Bennington Senior Center, and a childcare center intend to move into the converted building. Once finished, the new facility anticipates creating 27 jobs and mitigating 2.29 acres.

Economic Development Director Joan Goldstein said the investment is significant for employers and workers. "When BRF investments also create space for businesses and important community services, the versatile results have the potential to be transformative for the local economy," Goldstein said.