The Vineyard Preservation Trust approached West Tisbury officials last week to talk about putting a finished basement in the historic Grange Hall, with the potential of renting the space to the town.

Trust executive director Nevette Previd raised the idea to the select board on Wednesday while discussing the replacement of the grange hall’s roof. Built in 1859 and purchased by the trust in 1997, the nonprofit recently learned during the new roof project that the hall needs a new foundation.

With that work needed, Ms. Previd came before the board to float the idea of a new basement under the building when the foundation goes in. She said the basement could be rented to the town for office space. 

“We thought to come to you first and throw it out there as far as something to explore,” she said.

The board took no action on Ms. Previd’s proposal, saying they felt it was too early in the process to make any commitment.

“Perhaps, when you get over a few of these hurdles and it's more going in the right direction, I don’t see any reason we couldn’t have a meeting,” said select board chair Jeffrey “Skipper” Manter.