The building at 3 Elm Street in Woodstock, a significant commercial property right in the heart of Woodstock Village, is currently being listed by local realtor John Wetmore. The building, first constructed in 1850, is a prominent town landmark and historically known as the “Moore-Kidder Block” due to its origins with W.H.H. Moore and Dr. F. T. Kidder. Both men established their businesses in the block around November 1894, and since then, the building has undergone numerous transformations. Originally a prime location for shops like Mr. Moore’s jewelry company and Dr. Kidder’s medical practice, 3 Elm Street has remained a central hub for various commercial enterprises over the years.
Wetmore spoke with the Standard to discuss the building and his hopes for the space once it sells. “In the 40 years my family has lived here, there’s always been a great anchor restaurant above my workspace,” Wetmore explained — his office is in the basement of the building, offering a clear and lasting connection to the greater space. “3 Elm Street has become the focal point of downtown. Not only does it offer a dining alternative for the folks who stay at the Woodstock Inn, but it also offers deeper ties to the rich history of the village.”
He continued, “Obviously, one can see the building needs a facelift. It needs some fresh ownership, and preferably to be run by someone with a vision for the space. Not only is the building anchored by the restaurant, Dr. Coburn’s Tonic, and the retail space, Echo Market, on the adjacent side, but above the first floor is a variety of office spaces.”
Wetmore says he has hopes that someone might create apartment housing from the vacant offices. “The village desperately needs more housing options, and this building offers so much space to play with.”
The property, comprised of 14,000 square feet, with 11 units, including second-floor law offices, real estate offices, and offices for the restaurant below, is currently priced at $2.2 million.
Previously, Woodstock resident Todd Erceg showed interest in purchasing the space to revitalize the building, in the hopes of providing a more vibrant atmosphere to the village — complete with abundant workforce housing, restored historic facades, and more accessible restaurants. This plan was contingent on the town helping him to apply for state grants to assess the building’s current condition. Erceg’s initial pursuit took place after 3 Elm Street had been listed for eight months. Now, after being on the market for over a year, Wetmore has become the realtor for this space and is currently showing the building to all interested parties. Erceg remains among the interested, but no definite offers have been made.
For more on this, please see our June 26 edition of the Vermont Standard.
