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The structure, originally built in the 1800s and expanded in the 1870s, has previously been the site of a criminal lockup, a butchery, a shoe store and a photography studio.
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The auction was held Tuesday Dec. 6, after a walkthrough.
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The building has been vacant for several years, with visible damage to the building's outside brickwork and woodwork.

Former Moderne Studios Building Sold at Auction

By Brian RhodesiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The former Moderne Studios building at 19 Eagle Street that has been vacant for several years sold at auction for $100,000 on Tuesday.

$100,000 was the lone bid for the property, despite several interested parties showing up for the auction. Prior to the bidding, potential bidders were given a tour of the three-floor, 5300-square-foot building.

Skip Barry of The Barry Group Real Estate, who placed the winning bid, said he is unsure what he plans to do with the property but spoke highly of the building itself and its location on Eagle Street.

"I think it's a fabulous location and a fabulous building," he said, noting that he owns other properties in the downtown area."

Barry said he has no connections to any businesses or owners previously involved with the property.

Irving Shechtman & Co., Inc. ran the auction.

According to Historic North Adams, the original structure, 21 Eagle St., was built in the 1800s and had been the site of a criminal lockup between 1864 and 1869. In 1869, the building was deemed unfit for use.
 
The building was then bought by the Tower Brothers, Horace and Henry Tower who renovated the building and in 1876 began using it as their butcher shop. 
 
In 1870, the Tower brothers began building 19 Eagle St., expanding the property. This was completed in 1872.
 
The company went bankrupt in 1901. 
 
In 1915, the building was sold to Charles Kronick who opened a shoe store in 1920.
 
In the fifties, Moderne Studios Photography opened in the building. They closed in the early aughts. 

The building has been vacant for several years, with visible damage to the building's outside brickwork and woodwork.

The property received new electrical work in 2003 before its purchase by the previous owner in 2005. In 2008, an excavation of the basement took place, in addition to the construction of a rear egress from the second floor. In 2009, the previous owner added beams and structural steel.

The building can house one commercial space on the first floor and four residential units on the second and third floors.


Tags: auction,   Eagle Street,   

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DPAC To Perform 'Clue: On Stage'

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Drury Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with the North Adams Public Schools 21st Century Afterschool Program, announced performance dates for its production of "Clue: On Stage" adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price.
 
According to a press release:
 
It's a dark and stormy night, and you've been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well... dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist!
 
Performances will take place on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7PM and Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2PM and 7PM. All performances will take place in the Drury Performing Arts Center, 1130 South Church Street, North Adams. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens.
 
Tickets will be sold at the door.
 
"Clue: On Stage" is directed by Liz Urban and features the creative talents of more than 40 Drury students in grades 7–12.
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