Governor Prence Inn Future Use Study :: Orleans, MA
Client: Town of Orleans, MA
Team: Judi Barrett, Principal; Tyler Maren, Community Planner; Catherine Dennison, Community Planning Associate
Changing real estate trends in the Lower and Outer subregions of Cape Cod are transforming these tourism-driven communities. Year-round housing is in short supply while short-term rentals have pushed some traditional hospitality businesses out of the market.
When the Governor Prence Inn closed due a combination of these kinds of market pressures and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Orleans had the opportunity to acquire the site. The Town hired Barrett Planning Group LLC for an assessment of potential future uses of the 5.5-acre property located on Route 6A adjacent to the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Our community engagement effort included meetings with the Orleans Select Board, Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, and Affordable Housing Committee, along with community leadership interviews and an online community survey that received over 700 responses. Together, these public consultations yielded important insights into the needs and priorities of the Orleans community and the tremendous value residents place on affordable housing.
Grady Consulting LLC provided engineering and landscape architectural services to prepare concept plans for a set of suitable future use opportunities for the site and offered order-of-magnitude estimates for the renovation and reuse of the site’s existing motel buildings. This analysis, in addition to a site narrative created from field notes and photography, allowed our team to present the Town with several development scenarios.
The site’s unique layout and location can support a range of public benefits. Recognizing the challenges of addressing the Cape’s housing affordability crisis, Orleans voters approved the property’s purchase at Town Meeting in 2021.
Barrett Planning Group LLC provides high-quality, customized planning and community development services for cities and towns and non-profit organizations throughout greater Massachusetts and New England. Barrett Planning Group is known for our creative approach to planning and problem-solving, our expertise as trainers and technical assistance providers, our attentiveness to clients, and our expertise in capacity building. Our offices are located in Hingham, MA. Contact us to work together.