Masonic Temple study to cost $24,000 to $37,000

The Watertown Local Development Corp. will try to gather $24,000 to $37,000 to find out how much fixing or tearing down Watertown’s Masonic Temple will cost.

Fellow economic development agencies, the Development Authority of the North Country and Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, would likely help with bills between $2,500 and $3,000 each.

“We may, in fact, end up with the biggest piece of the cost,” Corporation Chief Executive Officer Donald W. Rutherford said during a special meeting on Tuesday morning.

Crawford & Stearns, Syracuse, put the cost at $24,000 while Bernier, Carr and Associates, Watertown, estimated $37,000.

But besides the cost, the board must also agree in principle to conduct the study. Board president and mayor Jeffrey E. Graham doesn’t want to see the public agencies move forward without invitation from the leaders of Watertown Masonic Lodge 49.

“We’re kind of pushing ourselves into the process,” he said.

Mary M. Corriveau, board member and city manager, pointed out that the corporation spent $700,000 on the Franklin Building.

“Any potential buyer is going to be coming to the three agencies and the city and wanting assistance,” she said. “We can try to be proactive so we protect future dollars these agencies may be asked to forward to help.”