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11/26/25 update:

In this season of gratitude, the Depot Community wants to express our thanks to all of those who have worked to support this campaign. It is truly the engagement and awareness that promotes this continued debate. 40+ calls have been made to the town office regarding this project, lawn signs are up, social media is trending with discussions, OpEds being written to local papers, a packed room at Town Hall and online attendance at the November DRB meeting, and the petition has reached 1000+ signatures between the online and paper supporters. This buzz has engaged local news medias from the Rutland Herald, Manchester Journal, and GNAT TV! Updates will continue to be provided here, indicating the fight is not over yet. 

Although demolition has been approved, appeals have been filed to prevent this 1800s historic building from being forever erased from our community’s history. The next town meeting on December 4th, at 7:30pm will discuss the demolition, and potential approval of the development project. Please continue to call, write, share, and show up for this campaign. There is an urgent need to save this historic building, as demolition is set to begin with or without Valvoline’s purchase. 

Manchester Contact Points: Town Office: 802-362-1313,  Planning and Zoning Administrator: p.brabazon@manchester-vt.gov

As someone who grew up in this town, and whose family owns a small business in the heart of the Historic Depot District in Manchester, Vermont, I have seen my parents and neighbors work diligently to enhance its accessibility and charm. Our district is an emblem of history, being the first district near the train station that carried local marble to New York City and D.C., making Manchester into a thriving center for commerce and community that built some of our nation’s most notable buildings. Yet, we now face a looming threat that could unravel all our efforts to preserve this piece of history—a corporate Valvoline oil company is seeking to establish itself in our small town.

The proposed site for this corporate invasion is none other than a cherished historic building from the 1850s, a structure that has stood the test of time, serving as a community tavern and a beacon of local connection. In current times when the world faces increasing isolation from social media, tensions are high and division is rising. Vermont is one of the last holdouts in the country which truly embodies this local connection, and we must deliberately work to maintain community with our neighbors. This building is more than just brick and mortar; it's a living symbol of our town's rich history and cultural heritage, and in recent decades it has served the neighborhood as consecutive cozy restaurants bringing together locals and tourists alike in a welcoming watering hole. 

Allowing Valvoline to demolish this historic site would not only erase a part of our history but also set a precedent for corporate interests trampling over local businesses. With about 12 auto-body shops already catering to our community, introducing a corporate competitor with aggressive pricing strategies threatens these family-owned businesses that are integral to our town's economy and identity.

Moreover, Valvoline's establishment would exacerbate traffic conditions at an already hazardous intersection, increasing the risk for residents and visitors alike. This blind corner of Manchester is not equipped to handle such an influx of out-of-town traffic, and the potential for accidents and congestion is a genuine concern for taxpayers who have spent countless dollars correcting bottleneck intersections in this town.
 
We must stand together to preserve the spirit and integrity of Manchester's Historic Depot District. By signing this petition, you voice your opposition to Valvoline's plans and stand in solidarity with local businesses that define our community. Let's safeguard our town's past, present, and future from corporate encroachment. Please sign this petition to stop Valvoline from disrupting our beloved historic district. If this development project can be prevented, the floor will be open for discussion of purchase and how best to use this large lot and multi-structure space to realize the vision and future of our town.

**If you have already signed the paper copy of the petition, please refrain from duplicating your name here. We thank you for your support.**

We the undersigned residents, business owners, visitors and friends of Manchester oppose the proposed Valvoline development at the corner of Depot St. and Highland Ave. We believe this project threatens the character, economy, and historic integrity of our community. By signing below we urge the Manchester town leaders to reject  this proposal.

If you’re interested to join the conversation, The Development Review Board meeting will be discussing this agenda item Thursday 12/4/25 at 7:30pm at the Manchester Town Hall

Manchester Contact Points: Town Office: 802-362-1313,  Planning and Zoning Administrator: p.brabazon@manchester-vt.gov

📷 photo credit: Manchester Historical Society

✍️ flyer credit: Lily Lehmuller