Exchange Street property to become Chicopee Public Schools’ administrative offices

CHICOPEE — The city of Chicopee announced the newly purchased and former Westfield Bank buildings located at 219 and 225–233 Exchange St. will serve as the new administrative offices for Chicopee Public Schools.

A press release from the mayor’s office stated that the property is ready to move into, is located on a public bus route and provides sufficient space to accommodate all School Department administrative offices.

The city also argues that it is a central location near City Hall and other municipal resources that will improve accessibility and coordination among city departments.

The school administration plans to relocate from its current leased offices at 134 Dulong Circle to its permanent home on Exchange Street over the summer, which will minimize disruption during the school year, according to the city.

The current lease at 134 Dulong Circle expires on Aug. 9.

The approximately 1.27-acre property, located in Chicopee Center, offers ample parking for staff and visitors, is fully accessible and features well-maintained buildings.

Following a comprehensive space and needs assessment, the Exchange Street facility was determined to best meet the district’s administrative requirements, according to the release from the mayor’s office.

The building includes private offices, conference rooms, multiple workstations, break rooms, a large training room, storage areas, a dedicated IT space and mechanical rooms. The new location will also allow the School Department to consolidate administrative functions that were previously housed at multiple locations throughout the city.

Chicopee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Marcus Ware emphasized the benefits of the new location in a statement.

“This new facility will allow the School Department to work more closely with city departments, creating better coordination and more efficient operations for residents, parents, and most importantly, our students,” Ware said. “Having departments located closer together will make it easier to serve the public and strengthen collaboration across city government.”

The city purchased the property for $2.36 million, along with the furnishings for an additional $20,000. The press release stated that due to the city’s strong financial planning and the support of the City Council, the purchase was made directly using available municipal funds.

“This was a total team effort, from the needs assessment and RFP process to the reviews, title examination, and funding of this purchase,” Vieau said in a statement. “I am proud of our collective ability to provide this centrally located office, bringing greater efficiency and convenience to the parents, students, and families of Chicopee.”

The transaction was facilitated by The Colvest Group on behalf of Westfield Bank. Both organizations worked closely with the city throughout the process, accommodating numerous site visits by city officials, members of the City Council, school administrators and staff and various inspectors.