Hale Resources's Benn High Redevelopment Project Honored in Southern Vermont CEDS 2023

The Benn High Redevelopment Project at Hale Resources has been selected as one of the "Vital Projects" in the Southern Vermont Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for 2023.

This recognition comes after a rigorous selection process, where our project stood out among 97 submissions. Our initiative aims to repurpose the historic Bennington High School into a multi-faceted community asset, featuring affordable housing and a community center. 

Ebersole, Rachel Shields. “Southern Vermont Ceds 2023 Vital Projects Announced - Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation.” Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation - My WordPress Blog, 27 Nov. 2023, brattleborodevelopment.com/southern-vermont-ceds-2023-vital-projects-announced/. 

"Town of Bennington commits to redeveloping former Bennington High, working with private firm"

"Developer Hale Resources plans to transform most of the remaining area into 39 apartments, including 17 units of permanently affordable housing, and a new child care facility, said Zak Hale, the company’s co-partner. About 3,000 square feet is being set aside for office space."

Tan, T. (2023, September 12). Town of bennington commits to redeveloping former Bennington high, working with private firm. VTDigger. https://vtdigger.org/2023/09/12/town-of-bennington-commits-to-redeveloping-former-bennington-high-working-with-private-firm/

"Grants announced for major Bennington projects"

""This is excellent news," Town Manager Stuart Hurd said. "The CDBG grant will support the full redevelopment of Benn High. Its focus is on the portions of the building other than the areas the town is working on with Hale Resources."

Therrien, J. (2023, August 24). Grants announced for Major Bennington Projects. Bennington Banner. https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/grants-announced-for-major-bennington-projects/article_af23673a-42ae-11ee-be6f-2b74bf2337c1.html 

"Developer seeks feedback on CVS proposal"

"Benn Hi update details $28M redevelopment effort"

"Asked for a timetable, company CEO Zak Hale said the developer’s goal is to begin construction by the end of 2023 and complete the work in about 18 months, or during 2025."

"Therrien, J. (2023, April 25). Benn Hi update details $28m redevelopment effort. Bennington Banner. https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/benn-hi-update-details-28m-redevelopment-effort/article_c7b96c88-e3a7-11ed-b6df-73386bec15d3.html"

"Capitol Recap: Act 250 becomes political flashpoint as lawmakers tackle housing shortage"

"Hale was recently looking to purchase and redevelop a vacant property with boarded windows on Pleasant Street. The structure needs serious work, but Hale was optimistic his company could renovate the home and turn it into a four-unit apartment building.

But because Hale had already done similar projects nearby, the Pleasant Street project would have triggered what’s known in the Act 250 universe as the “5-by-5-by-10 rule.” "

"Hirschfeld, P. (2023, April 14). Capitol recap: Act 250 becomes political flashpoint as lawmakers tackle housing shortage. Vermont Public. https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2023-04-14/capitol-recap-act-250-becomes-political-flashpoint-as-vermont-lawmakers-tackle-housing-shortage?mc_cid=0a4e7b682c&mc_eid=46d7aaaf88"

"Benn Hi redevelopment plan generates more praise, criticism"

 "Hale, which plans to purchase the former school, proposes creating 15 affordable housing units and 22 units that could be rented at market rates, although some rate restrictions might apply after the first seven years of operation."

"Therrien, Jim. “Benn Hi Redevelopment Plan Generates More Praise, Criticism.” Bennington Banner, 29 Mar. 2023, https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/benn-hi-redevelopment-plan-generates-more-praise-criticism/article_3cd02156-ce72-11ed-8d38-c387b660df87.html."

"State announces ARPA grant funds for Manchester sewer extension, Bennington High School rehab"

"Hale Resources LLC is repurposing the Bennington High School building for housing, recreation, and social services, in a project costing an estimated $5.7 million. Plans for the Main Street building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, include 70,000 square feet of potential residential space with 37 housing units, including 15 dedicated to affordable housing"

"Sukiennik, G. (2023, March 15). State announces ARPA grant funds for Manchester Sewer Extension, Bennington High School Rehab. Bennington Banner. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/state-announces-arpa-grant-funds-for-manchester-sewer-extension-bennington-high-school-rehab/article_71d68677-6205-5f8e-bfa8-9c39311f85ef.html"

"Benn Hi plan revised to involve private owner, building stays on tax rolls"

"The team working on the Benn Hi project presented a revised ownership proposal for the old Bennington High School building on Main Street — a plan that could keep the building on the town's tax roll.

In a presentation to the Select Board on Monday night, Assistant Town Manager Dan Monks and Director of Community Development Shannon Barsotti presented the new proposal that calls for housing development company Hale Resources to buy the old building and allow the town to lease or enter into another long-term arrangement to occupy space for programs like the Senior Center and Meals on Wheels."

"Lecce, L. (2022, December 21). Benn Hi Plan revised to involve private owner, building stays on Tax Rolls. Bennington Banner. https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/benn-hi-plan-revised-to-involve-private-owner-building-stays-on-tax-rolls/article_5d93f69c-8179-11ed-be3a-cbba675bdbda.html "

"Proposed residential care facility in Castleton faces local hurdles, despite critical need"

"Town officials liked the idea and believed it would help alleviate a critical housing shortage. They signed a purchase and sale agreement with Hale in 2020. Records from planning commission meetings show local zoning rules were changed to accommodate the size of the proposal."

"Keck, N. (2022, December 20). Proposed residential care facility in Castleton faces local hurdles, despite critical need. Vermont Public. Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2022-12-20/proposed-residential-care-facility-in-castleton-faces-local-hurdles-despite-critical-need"

"Maple Street Project Gets Grant"

"Mayor David Allaire announced this week that the state had approved a $624,870 Community Development Block Grant to the Bennington-based Hale Resources for a $1.2 million renovation project at 120 Maple St."

"Writer, G. D. S. (2022, December 8). Maple Street Project Gets grant. Rutland Herald. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/maple-street-project-gets-grant/article_6f7d0cda-9491-55b1-bbf9-4e29fa079e06.html "

"Town, developer, considering taking DRB decision on Sand Hill to court"

"Hale said the developer has 30 days from Nov. 11 to file an appeal should it choose to do so. He’s said previously that the project likely can’t go forward without the memory care unit, claiming the developers do not wish to have elderly residents have to find new housing should their cognitive abilities decline while they’re living within the development."

"Writer, K. W. J. S. (2022, November 21). Town, developer, considering taking DRB decision on Sand Hill to court. Rutland Herald. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/town-developer-considering-taking-drb-decision-on-sand-hill-to-court/article_20801a56-c780-5fa7-a5f7-a56bd30d47c5.html "

"Proposed redevelopment of former Bennington High School is exempt from Act 250"

" 'It makes it a much more competitive project, I feel, when it comes to applying for grants and stuff, because we're shovel-ready,' said Zak Hale, co-partner at Hale Resources, which requested the Act 250 review."

"Tiffany Tan Nov 4 2022November 4, 2022, David Moats Nov 7 2022, 6:03 A. M. N. 4, Underground Workshop Nov 6 2022, 5:12 P. M. N. 6, Patrick Crowley Nov 6 2022, 3:55 P. M. N. 6, Mike Dougherty Nov 6 2022November 6, 2022, Sarah Mearhoff Nov 4 2022November 5, 2022, & Ethan Weinstein Nov 4 2022November 4, 2022. (2022, November 4). Proposed redevelopment of former Bennington High School is exempt from Act 250 . VTDigger. Retrieved November 7, 2022, from https://vtdigger.org/2022/11/04/proposed-redevelopment-of-former-bennington-high-school-is-exempt-from-act-250/ "

"VermontBiz recognizes Vermont’s Rising Stars

Class of 2022"

We are so proud to announce that our CFO, Zak Hale, was one of 40 winners for VermontBiz's Rising Stars Recognition Award. The list consists of 40 winners under the age of 40 who have been recognized for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence and involvement in their communities. Zak is a very hard working individual who continues to strive for excellence! Congrats, Zak!

"Vermont Business Magazine - About rising stars. Vermont Business Magazine - All Events. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2022, from http://vermontbiz.squarespace.com/about-rising-stars/ "

"It's a nursing home" say Sand Hill opponents in Castleton, DRB to meet again Nov. 10"

"According to Hale Resources, the DRB’s decision says the memory care unit is non-residential because residents won’t be doing their own cooking, making the project a “nursing home” and therefore not allowed in that area.

According to Hale, the memory care unit will be licensed as a residential care home, not a nursing home. It claims the state draws distinctions between the two and that protections are in place for what it and Dousevicz Inc. seeks to build"

"Writer, K. W. J. S. (2022, October 26). "it's a nursing home" say Sand Hill opponents in Castleton, DRB to meet again Nov. 10. Rutland Herald. Retrieved October 28, 2022, from https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/its-a-nursing-home-say-sand-hill-opponents-in-castleton-drb-to-meet-again-nov/article_99e36e1b-7678-56d5-90d0-875771f8a935.html "

"Select Board votes to move Ben Hi project to next stage"

"The Select Board voted Monday night to dedicate up to $2 million in pandemic relief funding to stimulate redevelopment of the historic former Bennington High School into housing units and space for town programming...The housing units, which will involve about 70,000 square feet of the building, will be funded by Hale Resources with the expected assistance of historic preservation tax credits and grants, which both the local developer and town officials say appear available to such a project."

"Therrien, J. (2022, October 25). Select Board votes to move Ben Hi Project to Next Stage. Bennington Banner. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/select-board-votes-to-move-ben-hi-project-to-next-stage/article_39def9ea-53fc-11ed-8e9e-43b17cee14e7.html"

"Comments pro and con come out during Ben Hi info session"

"Bennington officials to vote on funding proposed mixed-use development at old high school"

"The remaining area would be transformed into at least 40 residences by Hale Resources, a Bennington real estate development and property management company."

"Tiffany Tan Oct 20 2022, 8:14 P. M. O. 20, Patrick Crowley Oct 21 2022, 6:17 A. M. O. 20, Riley Robinson Oct 20 2022, 8:19 P. M. O. 20, Shaun Robinson Oct 20 2022, 6:32 P. M. O. 20, & Sarah Mearhoff Oct 20 2022, 6:19 P. M. O. 20. (2022, October 21). Bennington officials to vote on funding proposed mixed-use development at Old High School. VTDigger. Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://vtdigger.org/2022/10/20/bennington-officials-to-vote-on-funding-proposed-mixed-use-development-at-old-high-school/ "

"BenHi estimate at $9M, but should attract millions in grants, credits"

"Town staff also would be directed to explore ownership/lease models with Hale Resources that most effectively facilitate the entire project. An example is the Historic Preservation tax credit, which is viable only if Hale Resources owns the building for a set time."

"Therrien, J. (2022, October 17). Benhi estimate at $9m, but should attract millions in grants, credits. Bennington Banner. Retrieved October 17, 2022, from https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/benhi-estimate-at-9m-but-should-attract-millions-in-grants-credits/article_badd742a-4e5e-11ed-a315-a76176b32e70.html"

"BennHi Redevelopment"

"The redevelopment of BennHi by a public/private partnership made up of the Town and a private developer, Hale Resources, is planned. The schematic design prepared by Goldstone Architecture contemplates 30,000 sq. ft. of municipal/community space (Community Space) and 70,000 sq. ft. of residential space (Residential Space)."

"Meetings. Town of Bennington Vermont. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2022, from https://benningtonvt.org/benn-hi-redevelopment/ "

"Castleton to take a second look at Sand Hill Road senior housing project"

"Dousevicz Inc. is behind the project; Hale Resources LLC is working to have the project planned and permitted."

"Writer, K. W. J. S. (2022, October 11). Castleton to take a second look at Sand Hill Road Senior Housing Project. Rutland Herald. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/castleton-to-take-a-second-look-at-sand-hill-road-senior-housing-project/article_9f850c8d-8c5c-55f6-88d4-5cceb2e7bb6e.html"

"Board of Aldermen reverses housing grant rejection"

"Earlier this month, though, when time came to vote on the application itself, several board members were suddenly unconvinced...In the end, the only “no” votes came from Barbagallo who said he had too many unanswered questions, and from Ettori, who remained adamant in his opposition."

Writer, G. D. S. (2022, September 20). Board of Aldermen Reverses Housing Grant rejection. Rutland Herald. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/board-of-aldermen-reverses-housing-grant-rejection/article_cafd6103-5ea6-5c3a-b903-af8a296e917c.html 

"Aldermen nix housing grant application"

"The Board of Aldermen voted 5-4 Tuesday against signing a resolution of support for a $624,870 grant application to the Vermont Community Development Program by Hale Resources to renovate 120 Maple St., modernizing the building and converting it from three units to five. "

Writer, G. D. S. (2022, September 7). Aldermen nix housing grant application. Rutland Herald. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/aldermen-nix-housing-grant-application/article_f4986e31-1f05-5fcb-ab4d-35428009cdea.html

"Select Board unhappy with Sand Hill Road decision, developer will ask for a reconsideration"

"$10M 36-unit housing project gets Development Review Board approval in Bennington"

"Hale replaces Shires in town's BenHi redevelopment project"

"Hale Resources LLC was announced Friday to replace Shires Housing, which had withdrawn from the proposal to develop housing units in about 70 percent of the 100,000-square-foot former school, while the town would develop 30 percent of the historic structure."

Therrien, Jim. “Hale Replaces Shires in Town's Benhi Redevelopment Project.” Bennington Banner, 26 Aug. 2022, https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/hale-replaces-shires-in-towns-benhi-redevelopment-project/article_c7145086-256b-11ed-a52d-432b626b05d4.html.

"Zak Hale '17, G'18 Named Recipient of Emergin Leader Award for 2022"

"Established in 2019, the Emerging Leader Award is given to alumni who have graduated within the last decade, regardless of age or degree, and who are making an impact within their community or profession."

Zak Hale '17, G'18 named recipient of emerging leader award for 2022. Castleton University. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.castleton.edu/news-media/article/zak-hale-17-g-18-named-recipient-of-emerging-leader-award-for-2022/ 

"$10 million, 36-unit apartment building proposed"

"Developer Jon Hale is proposing a new 36-unit apartment building at 916 Orchard Road."

Therrien, J. (2022, August 22). $10 million, 36-unit apartment building proposed. Bennington Banner. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/10-million-36-unit-apartment-building-proposed/article_cebb8a94-224a-11ed-b3d8-2ff2f9bc13d4.html 

"DRB approves Sand Hill Road project in Castleton, though not the memory care piece"

" 'At this time, we have approval for a 99-unit building on the site, and that’s great,” said Zak Hale, partner and chief financial officer of Hale Resources LLC. “But we did get conditions with that approval, and we’re working through those right now.' "

Writer, K. W. J. S. (2022, August 12). DRB approves Sand Hill Road Project in Castleton, though not the memory care piece. Rutland Herald. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/drb-approves-sand-hill-road-project-in-castleton-though-not-the-memory-care-piece/article_4ad29f42-7676-5b4e-a492-26dabab07975.html

"Getting Foot in the Door in Rutland, VT"

"Developers Eyeing CSJ Seek City's Help"

"Bennington developers are asking for city money to help them figure out what they could do with the former College of St. Joseph Campus.

The owners of Hale Resources went before the Board of Aldermen Monday alongside representatives of the Rutland Redevelopment Authority, The Housing Trust of Rutland County and Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region to ask the city to fund a consultant to do “pre-development” and feasibility studies of potential projects at the campus."

Writer, Gordon DritschiloStaff. “Developers Eyeing CSJ Seek City's Help.” Rutland Herald, 5 Apr. 2022, https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/developers-eyeing-csj-seek-citys-help/article_6d8868e6-65ec-59a8-98dc-f6a5768f7eeb.html. 

"Writing on the Hall: Houses and Paintings"

"Solutions for homelessness are hard to come by"

"BENNINGTON — The Bennington homelessness crisis didn’t happen overnight. Solutions won’t happen any faster, either.

There are many people and organizations taking steps to make a bad situation a little better for Bennington’s homeless, looking for short and long-term solutions to keep them off the streets and ideally in secure housing."

Albans, Michael. “Solutions for Homelessness Are Hard to Come By.” Bennington Banner, 21 Jan. 2022, https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/solutions-for-homelessness-are-hard-to-come-by/article_f7cb8db6-7b07-11ec-9707-b76ad7cbe13b.html. 

"State officials help Bennington celebrate historic housing project"

"BENNINGTON — State officials were in town Friday to help celebrate a $1.6 million renovation of the historic William Bull house at 219 Pleasant St. into 11 apartment units.

The project by Hale Resources, LLC — notably a private developer, as opposed to a nonprofit organization – was awarded federal Community Development Block Grant funding through the state."

Therrien, Jim. “State Officials Help Bennington Celebrate Historic Housing Project.” Bennington Banner, 19 Dec. 2021, https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/state-officials-help-bennington-celebrate-historic-housing-project/article_a16feee2-60dd-11ec-ad5a-570b1bd24e50.html. 

"Private developers create affordable housing units at historic Bennington property"

"BENNINGTON — On a rainy afternoon in early December, Bruce Bird sat in his studio apartment, listening to a radio talk show. Through glass windows that dominated two walls of the ground-level residence, he could see people coming and going in downtown Bennington."

Tiffany Tan Dec 5 2021December 6, 2021, et al. “Private Developers Create Affordable Housing Units at Historic Bennington Property.” VTDigger, 6 Dec. 2021, https://vtdigger.org/2021/12/05/private-developers-create-affordable-housing-units-at-historic-bennington-property/. 

"Companies Need Workers. Where are the Houses for Them?"

"Like other big issues facing Vermont, the shortage of housing in the Green Mountain State was understood to be a problem before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. In 2019, the state floated a $37 million bond to address that problem.

But the pandemic has worsened the state’s housing shortage, as prices rise, preventing renters from becoming home buyers and apartment-hunters from finding housing."

Sukiennik, Greg. “Companies Need Workers. Where Are the Houses for Them?” Bennington Banner, 24 July 2021, https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/companies-need-workers-where-are-the-houses-for-them/article_11bf6904-ebf2-11eb-8684-275af9668d16.html. 

"11 Downtown Properties Sold"

"BENNINGTON — A local development and property management firm associated with Hale Resources has purchased 11 rental properties in downtown Bennington area, encompassing 37 housing units in total.

The sales were all recorded on Feb. 20, transferring the properties from DML Corp., LLC, based in Dorset, to Vermont Housing Initiative Fund II, LLC."

Therrien, Jim. “11 Downtown Rental Properties Sold.” Bennington Banner, 28 Feb. 2020, https://www.benningtonbanner.com/archives/11-downtown-rental-properties-sold/article_f487ac93-b85b-5ff7-bc00-c39c5164f3f1.html. 

"Bennington to gain 11 new apartments by next year"

"BENNINGTON — Eleven new apartment units are coming to downtown Bennington, with a boost by a tax credit program from the state.

State tax credits of $112,500 will support the sensitive rehabilitation of the historic, 19th-century building at 219 Pleasant St., offsetting the costs of code improvements and the installation of a sprinkler system in the building, which has been minimally maintained over the past 40 years, according to information from the Agency of Commerce & Community Development."

LeBoeuf, Patricia. “Bennington to Gain 11 New Apartments by next Year.” Bennington Banner, 4 Oct. 2019, https://www.benningtonbanner.com/archives/bennington-to-gain-11-new-apartments-by-next-year/article_ac68fdbd-a40a-5a0a-a1ea-7fb7c53434bf.html.

"Assisted-living facility planned for Castleton"

"CASTLETON — An 18.28-acre parcel on Sand Hill Road could become the site of a new assisted and independent living facility under a plan discussed behind closed doors Monday night by the Castleton Select Board and a Bennington real-estate developer. Hale Resources LLC is in negotiations with the town to develop the town-owned property. "

Writer, Kate Barcellosstaff. “Assisted-Living Facility Planned for Castleton.” Rutland Herald, 18 Oct. 2018, https://www.rutlandherald.com/assisted-living-facility-planned-for-castleton/article_ff17a42d-2ca7-5981-8526-92daaba88093.html. 

"219 Pleasant St. target for renovation, grant pending"

"BENNINGTON— A 10-unit multi-family apartment building at 219 Pleasant St. is awaiting renovation after the Select Board unanimously approved the submission of an application for a $750,000 community development grant.

Jon Hale, of the real estate development and property management company Hale Resources, is the sub-grantee for this application."

Wisniewski, Christie. “219 Pleasant St. Target for Renovation, Grant Pending.” Bennington Banner, 29 Aug. 2018, https://www.benningtonbanner.com/archives/219-pleasant-st-target-for-renovation-grant-pending/article_4bfe7478-b2e6-5f19-bad8-573269fe9813.html. 

"Building near Putnam Sold"

"BENNINGTON — A majority interest in a downtown landmark adjacent the proposed Putnam Block redevelopment site has been sold.

Matteson Acres, LLC, purchased more than 70 percent of 113-15 South St. — the former Drysdale department store — from Applejack-Drysdale, LLC, for $425,000 on Sept. 1."

Therrien, Jim. “Building near Hotel Putnam Sold.” Bennington Banner, 6 Sept. 2017, https://www.benningtonbanner.com/archives/building-near-hotel-putnam-sold/article_0c4bd048-01de-5696-8ba6-8082ec5ae12e.html. 

"Healthy Homes of Bennington: Southwestern Vermont Health Care helps employees become first-time homeowners"

"BENNINGTON — The first of three abandoned, run-down properties was unveiled to the community on Wednesday, with first-time homeowners as the occupants.

Southwestern Vermont Health Care and The Bank of Bennington established Healthy Homes for Bennington L3C to revitalize single-family homes in downtown neighborhoods."

McGeeney, Makayla-Courtney. “'Healthy Homes of Bennington': Southwestern Vermont Health Care Helps Employees Become First-Time Homeowners.” Bennington Banner, 22 Feb. 2017, https://www.benningtonbanner.com/archives/healthy-homes-of-bennington-southwestern-vermont-health-care-helps-employees-become-first-time-homeowners/article_98ee1cc1-f84d-507e-a3d2-a98b448576d2.html. 

"New Owner turns Former Inn into Prosperous Apartment Complex"

"BENNINGTON -- A former bed and breakfast on a once foreclosed property has been turned into a highly demanded group of apartments.

John Hale, of Bennington, bought the Alexandra Inn Bed and Breakfast at 916 Orchard Road in February after placing the winning bid for it at a foreclosure auction the month before."

Jr., K. W. (2014, October 15). New owner turns former inn into prosperous apartment complex. Bennington Banner. Retrieved May 16, 2022, from https://www.benningtonbanner.com/archives/new-owner-turns-former-inn-into-prosperous-apartment-complex/article_01c8e2da-fc98-53b1-b15e-66d115ed9650.html