NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Plans for the new Cumberland Farms on Ashland Street finally appear to be moving forward with the closing on the old City Yard last month.
The convenience store chain purchased the property at 227-245 Ashland St. on Friday, June 30.
Mayor Thomas Bernard had pushed for the Westborough-based convenience chain to close before the end of the fiscal year, rejecting the company's request for another extension on the purchase-and-sales agreement from October 2017.
Cumberland had offered $575,000 — $100,000 more than the assessed value — with the caveat that up to half that could be offset for cleanup. The chain had been looking for a larger location close to the downtown for several years.
In the final deal, the property went for $550,000 with the agreement that Cumberland would pay upfront taxes on a listed price of $575,000, as recorded at the Registry of Deeds. Administrative Officer Michael Canales said there are cleanup costs but the entire amount is not yet known.
The Ashland Street complex had been put to bid with five other properties in 2017 after the city bought the former anodizing plant at Hodges Cross Road to serve as the new City Yard. The former plant has been largely retrofitted to accommodate Highway, Cemetery, Building, and Parks and Recreation Departments and the animal shelter with room to spare.
Cumberland Farms was approved for a 5,800-square-foot store and eight gas pumps last fall but returned to the Planning Board earlier this year with modified plans to reduce the building to around 4,600 square feet and by one parking spot.
The original plans had been to start construction in the spring but is now expected sometime this summer. Two historic place markers on the buildings are set to be preserved and relocated to prominent locations in the new City Yard.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The home prior to renovations.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.
The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.
The house is listed for $359,500.
We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieriand Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.
Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.
What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?
Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.
Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.
Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.
Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.
Andrews: Built in about 1965.
What do the current owners love about this home?
Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.
Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Plans for the new Cumberland Farms on Ashland Street finally appear to be moving forward with the closing on the old City Yard last month. 
