MIDDLEBORO — The iconic Peirce Building in Middleboro center could be the future home of a community center, town office space and private businesses, according to a concept scheduled to be presented to the select board Sept. 19.

The proposal was developed by Jones Payne Architects and Planners based on input from the general public and from members of the Peirce Building Reuse Committee, which was formed to consider options for the vacant building at 99 North Main St., said Nathan Demers, a member of the select board and the reuse committee.

These proposed renovations would bring new life to the nearly 11,000-square-foot, two-story building, which was constructed in 1808 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The Peirce Building was built in 1808 and originally served as home to the Peirce General Store. The structure eventually became town property in 1935, when the police department moved in. The station was located at the site until 2018, when the department moved to its current Wood Street location.

Since then,the building has stood vacant. Although the building is structurally sound, work is needed, including updates to plumbing and electric systems and HVAC, Demers said.

The cost of the project would be about $5  million, which is scheduled to be funded with a combination of grants and public funds, such as free cash accounts, and would not add to tax bills, Demers said.

Having a community center take up much of the space would provide the town with a place for organizations to meet and for artistic performances to be staged, Demers said. 

This need was cited most often by respondents to a survey issued by the committee to seek public input. When asked what Middleboro is lacking that could be fulfilled with space at the building, 175 of the 534 respondents cited community space. 

Forty-nine respondents said a visitor center/museum; 28 said retail dining; and 21 said a business center/rentable space. Other answers receiving fewer responses included town offices, a general store, a veterans facility and housing, which was the response of only five people.

Having private office space would allow the building to be financially self-sustaining, Demers said, because the rents would cover the ongoing maintenance costs once the original renovation is completed.

Survey respondents appeared divided on whether the town should lease the property to a private entity for development, although most disapproved. 

Fifty-five percent of respondents disliked the idea or weren’t sure, while 44 percent said this was a great or OK idea or were neutral. 

The ultimate decision would be made by voters, possibly at a town meeting in 2023, he said.

The work would allow the building to remain as a mainstay in the town center for generations, Demers said. 

“Having a vacant building in the center of town isn't advantageous to anyone,’’ Demers said.

“It’s time to fix the problem once and for all,’’ he said.