Buildings abandoned each year due to population migration toward urban areas are becoming increasingly common . Many historic buildings, often publicly owned and valuable cultural heritage assets, fall into decay as they fail to find a new purpose. These spaces could serve as community gathering points, but as the social fabric itself deteriorates, their revival becomes more challenging. This research focuses on a case study in Valbrenta, Col Ventidueore (ex-tobacco farm), which became part of the European Interreg project SHELTER: Smart Rural Heritage along Tourism Routes. This initiative successfully addressed the challenges of abandonment and deterioration of historic rural buildings in the cross-border region between Italy and Austria. Using a qualitative approach, the study explores the relationship between the community and this site through the concept of place attachment. It also examines the potential for future community-driven reuse, incorporating energy-efficient redevelopment while respecting local needs. In the project, the active involvement of the community is seen as a key element for rural development. Findings highlight the crucial role of engaging younger generations to prevent further abandonment and emphasize the importance of preserving and passing down the territorial identity linked to this historic building.