SVHC Introduces Real Estate Developer for Former College Campus

BENNINGTON, VT —March 17, 2023—Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) announced they have entered into a purchase and sale agreement of the former Southern Vermont College (SVC) campus with Alfred Weissman Real Estate, LLC (AWRE) during a press conference this morning at the historic Everett Mansion. The real estate agreement between AWRE and SVHC is for the acquisition of the former college campus, including the Everett Mansion, dormitories, gymnasium, soccer field and 366 acres. SVHC will retain the lower baseball field consisting of five acres.

AWRE detailed their vision of developing the campus into a 4- to 5-star destination, which will include renovating the Everett Mansion and dormitories into 130 high-end lodging rooms, the creation of a restaurant and spa, and retrofitting the gymnasium into an activities center and event venue. Additionally, AWRE will partner with Bennington Area Trail System (BATS), continuing to make the trail system open and available to the public.

“The former college campus has served our health system and community well – most especially over the past three years during the pandemic as our COVID Resource Center as we tested and vaccinated over 60,000 people,” stated Tom Dee, president and CEO of Southwestern Vermont Health Care. “AWRE will continue this tradition of community partnership as they redevelop the campus for greater usage.”   

SVHC purchased the 371- acre former SVC campus in late December 2020. After the purchase, the health system used the campus for a widely successful COVID-19 community clinic. Additionally, SVHC partnered with Town of Bennington and the Bennington Area Trail System to maintain playing fields for youth athletics and keep the trail system open to the public.

“We are excited to become part of the Bennington community,” said AWRE Principal and CEO Alan Weissman. “We look forward to restoring the Everett property and mansion to its original splendor, and believe this effort will have an economic impact on the region through utilizing local businesses, employing area individuals and an increased tax base.”

AWRE has been involved in several commercial development categories since their inception over fifty years ago, including hospitality, residential, retail, office and industrial properties. The firm believes in a hands-on approach when acquiring, developing and managing properties. Additionally, AWRE likes to get involved within the regions where they do business by sponsoring community charities to serving on chambers of commerce.

“This is a great day for Bennington,” stated Bennington Town Manager Stuart Hurd. “This property speaks to the heart of our community, and we are excited with AWRE’s vision as they develop it into a world-class destination.”

About SVHC:

Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is a comprehensive, preeminent, healthcare system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVHC includes Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, and the SVHC Foundation. SVMC includes 25 primary and specialty care practices.

Southwestern Vermont Health Care is among the most lauded small rural health systems in the nation. It is the recipient of the American Hospital Association’s 2020 Rural Hospital Leadership Award. In addition, SVMC is a five-time recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. The health system is fortunate to have the support of platinum-level corporate sponsor Mack, a leading supplier of contract manufacturing services and injection molded plastic parts based in Arlington, VT.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.

About Alfred Weissman Real Estate, LLC (AWRE)

Alfred Weissman Real Estate, LLC. (AWRE) has been developing commercial properties for over 50 years. With its focus on quality development programs, AWRE has earned the trust and confidence of civic and business leaders through its professionalism, high corporate standards, and personal commitment to projects. The firm is located in Harrison, NY and has expertise in real estate investment, management, and development. Moreover, AWRE’s organizational structure is lean, enabling its executives to be intimately involved in all asset management and investment decisions.