Dartmouth Health’s Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), announced next steps around the redevelopment of the former Southern Vermont College campus in Bennington.
In March of 2023, SVHC entered into a purchase and sale agreement of the campus with Alfred Weissman Real Estate, LLC (AWRE). Since then, AWRE has been working toward the development of a five-star destination resort.
“AWRE has made major progress in finding the right hospitality brand partner for this project,” said SVHC CEO and president Thomas A. Dee, FACHE. “While we can’t speak on their behalf, we want our community to know that plans are advancing. We’re supportive of their direction and we believe this project will have an immensely positive impact on Bennington and our entire region.”
The proposed five-star resort would include both fine and casual dining, a beauty and health spa, a fitness/wellness center, special events venue and other amenities. The project also includes an extensive historic restoration of the Everett Mansion for use as luxury accommodations and fine dining.
Access to the Bennington Area Trail System (BATS), at the trail heads on and around the property, will remain open to the public and available, throughout the redevelopment. Following completion of the project there will be a new dedicated parking lot.
“Once AWRE finalizes its brand partner—in the near future—the necessary regulatory reviews and permitting processes will get underway,” said Dee. “We’re hopeful this project will break ground next summer.”
SVHC purchased the 371- acre former SVC campus in late December 2020. After the purchase, SVHC used the campus for a widely successful COVID-19 community clinic. Additionally, they partnered with Town of Bennington and the BATS to maintain playing fields for youth athletics and keep the trail system open to the public.
AWRE has been involved in several commercial development categories since their inception over fifty years ago, including hospitality, residential, retail, office and industrial properties. The firm believes in a hands-on approach when acquiring, developing and managing properties. Additionally, AWRE prides itself on getting involved within the regions where they do business by sponsoring community charities to serving on chambers of commerce.
About Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
For more than a century, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has delivered world-class care and comfort to every patient. Today, SVMC encompasses eight locations across Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts, including a 99-bed hospital and 23 primary and specialty care services. SVMC’s exceptional health teams possess expertise in everything from oncology to orthopedics. Our clinical strength has earned national attention, including six consecutive designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. Since joining Dartmouth Health in 2023, SVMC has expanded treatment options and services to keep patients closer to home for world-class care. As the largest employer in southwestern Vermont, SVMC is deeply invested in the region, engaging with the community through wellness initiatives, support of local nonprofit organizations and involvement in economic development. SVMC has robust volunteer leadership, at many levels, that help guide and govern the organization, ensuring SVMC continues to serve the patient and staff needs of today, and tomorrow.