The Project

The Barton Main Street project is a plan to revitalize a community focal point in

downtown Barton, at the intersection of VT Route 5 and VT Route 16 (formally Barton

Motors). The project has been engaged in brownfield remediation (BRELLA) for the last

few years, with anticipated conclusion by 2026. When remediation is complete, a new,

multi-phased, mixed-use development is proposed. The project includes 5 buildings and

a program of townhouses, street-facing retail, second floor commercial office space,

townhouses, rental apartments, and condo apartments. The project also includes

surface parking, structured parking, utility and infrastructure improvements, streetscape

beautification, landscaping, and green space. Opportunities exist for transit, hospitality,

recreation/tourism services, as well as cultural and art spaces.

Community Need

According to the Vermont Housing Needs Assessment: 2025-2029, published by the

Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, it is projected that

between 615 - 1,112 additional homes will be needed in Orleans County, in the

Northeast Kingdom. This figure includes both rentals and owned homes. Barton

currently provides 10% of overall homes in Orleans County, representing the third

highest percentage of homes in the county. The estimated median household income in

Orleans County was $63, 981 in 2022; about 23% of the households in Orleans County

were considered very low income at 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Currently

Housing and Economic Development are very high on the list of local, regional and

statewide priorities and this project will address both of these priorities.

In 2021, AJM Development purchased the Barton Motors property with the intention of

repurposing the site into much needed housing and retail space. Coe and Coe

Architecture has been engaged and is assisting with pre-design services in parallel with

the environmental remediation. Progress includes conceptual design, municipal

support, community engagement, and partnering with grant funders and private

stakeholders.