Mailing a small fortune in the range business is easy. Start with a large one.
So funny and true! That got you some Rep Points Rob!
I was thinking about the mill in downtown Maynard. Once again, this is just an exploration into the feasibility/cost.
Since you are talking about my old stomping grounds. I spent 12 years of my life there and knew most of the nooks and crannies . . . still have a historical picture of the original woolen mill downstairs.
I'll offer some advice based on my "inside information" about the facility.
- The place is a MAJOR, MAJOR fire-trap! Almost 100 years of grease from sheep's wool permeated all the wood in the floors and we knew if there was even a small fire, the place would go up like a tinderbox.[History: It was a woolen mill, made blankets for the Union Army in the Civil War and for many years afterwards.]
- Some of the buildings have major structural defects. It was rumored that Bldg 3 was actually condemned a few times.
- One of the clubs I belong to is building an indoor range. Although the steel backstop/plates have been in place for many years, the cost is estimated in the $150K+ range for 8 shooting lanes IIRC. The cost for a commercial range I would guess would probably be $250-500K in that type of location. Ventilation and EPA/DEP would be major road-blocks.
- The only suitable part of the Mill for a range would be at the basement floor level (concrete floor). Building 5 floods (below the Mill Pond water line) any time one of the sump pumps fails. I used to have a lab down there and waded into it a few times before we built a lab elsewhere.
- I seriously doubt that the Fire Chief would ever approve this use for the Mill. See my comments above wrt a fire-trap.
- I don't know if Paint Ball is still "hot" or not, but the Mill would be an ideal place for this. Lots of natural nooks and crannies for such FOF activity. EPA/DEP and fire hazards wouldn't be an issue, nor would ventilation be an issue.
- An Airsoft FOF training facility would also be another good use.
Sigh, I really loved that old Mill, it was a great place to work for those of us with an appreciation of old construction and history.