Devon Council reviews options for former Esso Building

DEVON -- The Town of Devon appears to be nearing a path forward for the former Esso Imperial Oil Building. 

For the past several years, elected officials in the township have mulled the future of the property, which was purchased back in 2018. Since then, very few modifications have been completed at the site and no concrete path forward has been determined. However, at a recent council meeting held in late September, Devon administration brought forward several options for council's consideration. These options were presented following community feedback, which was gathered through a recent public survey. 

"Administration presented three options for council's consideration: market the property for sale, retain the property and pursue a long-term lease, or renovate the facility for a new town office," reads a statement from Devon staff. "The town has invested approximately $700,000 in maintenance and capital work on the facility over the past 10 years, excluding utility costs, while a previous feasibility study estimated approximately $7.5 million to renovate the building for a new town office."

During their discussion, council members expressed varying levels of support for selling or leasing the property, while several members also supported further exploration before a final direction is determined. Discussion included the possibility of an open house, potential future library options, and other potential locations for seniors housing.

Council also mulled the future of the site in conjunction with a recent request from the Devon Community Church. This comes as the church has submitted a preliminary proposal for a new church and continuing-care campus in Devon. The concept includes a larger church facility, an approximately 60-unit seniors continuing-care residence, a multi-purpose gymnasium, outdoor spaces, and opportunities for community and inter-generational programming.

Devon staff note that they will be exploring the items raised during the discussion as potential next steps for the property.