Madison, Conn. (July 13, 2017) — William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty announced today the sale of the former East River Reading Room, the first library in Madison, Conn. In honor of the building’s literary legacy, all proceeds from the sale will be donated to the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library to assist in its upcoming renovation project. Madison agent Todd Gould represented the property, which sold in late June for $140,000.
A landmark in town since 1874, the East River Reading Room has served as a social hub in Madison for nearly 100 years. The 1,218 square-foot structure was built as a library by summer Madison resident Horace Washburn. The Reading Room housed approximately 1,500 books, and was used for theatrical productions, Sunday school classes, guest speakers, dances, dinners, fundraisers, and during war time, a place to roll bandages. The organization’s Board of Directors decided to sell the Reading Room as a result of its recent decline in usage.
“It was an honor to represent such a valued piece of history in Madison,” said Gould. “I am thrilled to report that I was able to locate the perfect buyers who will continue the cultural use of the property through the creation of a non-profit. The building is currently zoned as a residential property; however through the creation of the non-profit organization, it will not have to become a residence. It’s the perfect way to honor this beloved structure’s roots.”
151 Boston Post Road contains a stage and hall, which were originally used for meetings and regular orchestra practice, along with a kitchen/prep room in the rear as well as an indoor outhouse. Additional features include a separate front foyer, wood floors, tall cathedral ceilings and an abundance of bookshelves.
Deed restrictions to protect this historically significant structure prohibit changing the external appearance, specifically portions closest to the road. True commercial use of the building would not be allowed except for a home office.
E.C. Scranton Memorial Library will commemorate the Reading Room’s history in its forthcoming renovation project.
About William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty
Founded in 1949, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty manages a $3.9-billion portfolio with more than 1,000 sales associates in 26 brokerages spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Westchester County, New York. William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty is the largest Sotheby’s International Realty(R) affiliate globally and the 31st-largest real estate company by sales volume in the United States. A full-service real estate firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty provides ancillary services including commercial services through its affiliation with Building and Land Technology, a second-generation development company based in Stamford, Connecticut; William Pitt Insurance Services; and an award-winning global relocation division. For more information, visit the website at williampitt.com.
Sotheby’s International Realty’s worldwide network includes approximately 20,000 sales associates located in approximately 880 offices throughout 70 countries and territories.
William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Contact:
Todd Gould
Real Estate Agent
203.988.5414