Still Thinking About Buying the Old Westborough State Hospital?

WESTBOROUGH, MA—If you had been thinking about putting in a bid to buy the old Westborough State Hospital property, you've got some more time. The deadline has been extended to Oct. 5.

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.

"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.

Potential bidders were given a guided tour in July.

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

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