Norfolk County is exploring six options for the future of the Vittoria Old Town Hall, a historically significant building facing historically low utilization and substantial repair costs.
Staff presented the options in a recent council report, seeking direction on how to proceed with the facility, which also includes adjacent parkland.
The Old Town Hall requires an estimated $1 million in immediate repairs to become operational, with annual operating costs projected at $15,000.
Given the proximity of alternative Norfolk-owned facilities and low demand for event space, staff are recommending a nominal sale of the hall to a local non-profit organization while retaining ownership of the parkland.
Preferred Option: Nominal Sale to Local Non-Profit
Staff recommend selling the hall for $1 to a local non-profit while maintaining county ownership of the parkland. This approach eliminates the immediate and long-term financial burden on the County while ensuring the building remains accessible to the community. The agreement would include provisions such as a right of first refusal, allowing the County to repurchase the property if necessary.
In the event no non-profits express interest, staff propose selling the building and parkland on the open market as the next most financially responsible alternative.
Council will deliberate on these options, which range from retaining ownership to outright sale, to determine the best course of action for the historic facility.