SLIDE SHOW: Want to Buy the Old Westborough State Hospital?

WESTBOROUGH, MA—Some think the property is prime real state for condos, or a mixed use with rental units, restaurants and other stores. Some have said the facility could be used to address the mentally ill once again.

The 37-acre property was purchased by the town in 2014, but the former Westborough State Hospital is now up for sale and open to bidders, as announced on the town's official page.

"This is an exciting opportunity to acquire lakefront property near Route 9 and I-495 for development for commercial and limited residential use," said the announcement.

Deemed unsafe, the property is closed, but many thrill-seekers and photographers are drawn to the buildings.

"Westborough was one of the first hospitals in the United States to apply the principles of homeopathic medicine to the treatment of mental disorders," it says on Asylum Project. "Its important place in the history of American psychiatry has been recognized through its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

A full RFP is available by contacting the town manager's office.

A tour of the property is planned for July 11, a bidder's conference on July 18, and bids are due by Sept. 6 at 11 a.m.

Built in 1886, it originally opened as Westborough Insane Hospital, changing to Westborough State Hospital, which operated to treat the mentally ill until 2010.

Find the details for bidding here.

What would you like to see at the former site? Share in the comments section.

Photos courtesy Jennifer Juliano