Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Historic Curatorship Program?

Within the thousands of acres of the Commonwealth’s Forests and Parks are many historically significant buildings with great potential for adaptive reuse. Without direct public funding, these mansions, houses and cottages have fallen prey to the elements and vandalism. Under the Historic Curatorship Program, DCR enters into a long term lease with a Curator/ Tenant who pays rent in the form of services, specifically the rehabilitation and maintenance of the property. The reuse of these significant properties must be compatible with the surrounding community while enhancing the visitor’s experience of the public park.

Why Become a Curator/Tenant?

• Curator/Tenants have the opportunity to live and/or work in a unique natural setting, often surrounded by acres of undeveloped property.

• Curator/Tenants with the requisite skills and experience can leverage the value of their “sweat equity” towards rehabilitation costs. 

• Curator/Tenants are part of a one-of-a-kind community and contribute to the preservation of the Commonwealth’s rich history.

How does it work?

Prior to leasing, DCR performs a conditions assessment to determine the scope of work and costs associated with rehabilitation.  A market appraisal to determine a lease value is also performed.  Generally, the lease term is determined by dividing the total rehab value by the annual lease amount.  Lease terms can range from 10-50 years or more.

Rent on a curatorship property is paid in the form of rehabilitation materials and services, including the value of sweat equity.  Under this “work for rent credit” system, the value of these services is deducted from the lease value for a property.  At the end of the lease, control of the property reverts back to the Commonwealth.

How do I become a Curator / Tenant?

Generally, DCR will seek interest in available curatorship properties through the release of a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI).  Based on the results of this solicitation, DCR issues a Request for Responses (RFR). The RFR describes the submission requirements and provides detailed information on the property, including a conditions assessment and cost estimates.  Interested parties respond to the RFR by submitting a proposal for competitive review by DCR. Successful proposals outline a viable reuse concept, public benefit, rehabilitation approach and implementation schedule and demonstrate relevant experience and sound financial qualifications for tenancy.

What are the criteria for selecting a Curator/Tenant?

Selection criteria include:

• Quality of overall proposal
• Demonstrated experience in restoration / historic preservation
• Demonstrated financial resources
• Compatibility with park setting / programs
• Quality of public benefit component
• Inclusion of environmentally sustainable building practices

What types of reuses are possible?

Any reuse proposal will be judged on its compatibility with the historic property as well as with the surrounding park, forest or reservation.  While most of the current Curators occupy their properties as residences, the other Curators include a wedding and events center, an artists loft/condominiums complex and non-profit.  DCR encourages creative reuse ideas that can produce mutual benefits for the Curators and DCR.

What are the financial requirements of a Curator?

The Building Conditions Assessment is the basis for determining the approximate cost of rehabilitating a property. Cash or sweat-equity, the non-monetary investment of time and labor, is an accepted method of capital investment and credit towards rent. When submitting a proposal, a confidential statement of financial capacity is required. This should demonstrate the Proponent’s ability to carry out the project. A statement describing the expected project costs and the anticipated sources of permanent financing and working capital is also required. Costs should reflect capital investment, as well as the value of any sweat-equity and other in-kind donation of services.

Do I have to pay property tax on the curatorship property?

The Curator is responsible for paying all applicable taxes and fees which may be associated with the property for the duration of the lease. It is up to the individual city/town in which the curator property is located to determine whether it will collect taxes on the property. While most cities and towns currently do not levy property taxes on curatorship properties, DCR cannot guarantee that they will not choose to do so in the future.

What type of insurance do I have to take out on the property?

The Curator is responsible for maintaining in full force sufficient insurance to cover costs of rehabilitating any partial damage or destruction of the property. Comprehensive liability insurance must also be maintained for all activities allowed under the lease. The value of the insurance which is beyond that normally required for a tenant may be creditable toward rent.

What will happen if the Curator is unable to fulfill the requirements of the lease?

DCR understands that a Curator’s life is subject to unforeseen changes which may prevent them from continuing with the curatorship of a property. In this situation each case will be reviewed on an individual basis with DCR reserving decision making authority.  In the worst case scenario where the property’s historic integrity is significantly destroyed by fire or other cause, DCR will terminate the lease. The Curator, however, should not anticipate reimbursement for restoration work already performed on the property under any circumstances. DCR also has the right to terminate the lease if the Curator fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the lease agreement, abandons the premises, or declares bankruptcy.

What types of changes can I make to the property?

In the application process, the prospective Curator will submit a proposed Implementation Plan, based on the guidelines of the Request for Responses.  In consultation with DCR and the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the plan will become the framework for the rehabilitation.  In the occasion of a proposed change outside the agreed-upon scope of work, projects must be reviewed by DCR in consultation with the Massachusetts Historical Commission to determine whether the change is compatible with the historic character of the property.

Do I have to restore the property right away, or can I phase the work over several years?

The Implementation Plan schedule does not require a Curator to complete all required work in any specific period of time.  However, it is expected that life-safety issues and major work, such as structural stabilization, be performed early in the lease.  The efficiency of the implementation schedule is a factor in the Curator selection process.

When can I have access to the property? Can I live in the house while restoring it?

Once a Curator is designated, the Department is required by law to notify state and local officials of its intent to lease the property. During the notification period which ranges from 60-120 days, a lease is negotiated. Prior to the execution of a lease, a Curator may occupy the property under a Special Use Permit, issued by DCR.  Curators are welcome to live in the house while restoring the property as long as the property receives a Certificate of Occupancy.

How often will the property have to be open to the public?

As stated in the enabling legislation for the Historic Curatorship Program, Chapter 85 of Acts of 1994, the property must be opened to the public no less often than twice each year “for the purpose of providing public access to the historic quality of the property.” The timing of opening the property as well the determination of which areas would be open for public viewing will be determined by the Curator.  Most Curators are more than happy to show off all of their hard work.

What is meant by “public benefit”?

As stated above, the Historic Curatorship Program enabling legislation requires a minimum level of public access to the property.  One of the main criteria for the selection of a Curator is whether the reuse concept will have any benefit to the public beyond the physical rehabilitation of the property.  It is important that any residential or non-residential proposal for a property include some level of public benefit.  Some creative examples of possible public benefit include:

• Maintaining trails in and around the property
• Opening the house for a spring or fall tour
• Coordinating a senior’s garden and farm tour
• Sponsoring a summer concert series
• Opening a garden to a local group
• Joint nature/history program with park/forest
• Allowing a local group to use the property meeting/event space
• Offering horseback riding lessons