The Borough of Madison has secured a historic property, part of which will be transformed into a senior center.

Lee & Associates New Jersey negotiated the sale of 170 Main St. to the borough for $1.1 million, the commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm announced Jan. 23.

The nearly 200-year-old 7,900-square-foot building served as a Masonic Lodge for nearly a century. It will now be preserved and repurposed by the borough.

Lee & Associates Senior Vice President Peter Rasmusson and President and Principal Rick Marchisio, based in the firm’s Elmwood Park office, represented the seller, Madison Lodge No. 93 Free and Accepted Masons. Borough Administrator Raymond Codey represented Madison.

The purchase was approved by the borough in October 2023. To help fund the deal, Madison entered a grant agreement with resident Martin Heller for $1 million. In the fall, Heller, told NJ Advance Media that “he didn’t want to see the building demolished.”

According to the local lodge’s website, the brick-faced building was erected in 1824 and used as a Presbyterian church before hosting the Masons. The temple was dedicated during a special ceremony Sept. 12, 1931.

Madison Mayor Robert Conley told NJ Advance Media that the site was listed for sale when the Masons decided to merge with a nearby lodge.

The property is set on nearly three-quarters of an acre and includes parking for 35 vehicles. It is three blocks from the municipality’s retail/commercial district and less than two blocks from the Madison NJ Transit rail station.

The ordinance approving the purchase indicates “other ancillary municipal purposes” for the site, in addition to the senior center.

“This structure’s age, history and significance to the local community make it a very special property,” Rasmusson said. “It is rich in architectural detail. For example, masons that built the structure left their initials in the bricks on the façade, which are still visible today. Our team enjoyed working on this very unique transaction, and we are pleased with the outcome. It is gratifying to know this iconic structure will be preserved for years to come to the satisfaction of both parties involved.”

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