For Immediate Release:
4/24/2019 11:57 am
The City of Worcester announced today that Madison Properties is expanding the scope of work in the first phase of development on the campus of the former Wyman-Gordon lot to include a five-story office building in left field, a modification to the original Letter of Intent signed in August of 2018.
Due to significant interest over the relocation of the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox to Worcester and further analysis of the site, Madison Properties has informed city officials of their intent to increase the size and scope of their Phase 1 development adjacent to the ballpark land. Under the original Letter of Intent (LOI) between the City and Madison Downtown Holdings, LLC, the developer agreed to a two phase development project. Phase 1 of the construction would include 225 market rate apartments, a 150-room hotel, a second 110 room boutique hotel in left field and 65,000 SF of retail and restaurant space by early 2021. Phase 2 of the project will include 200,000 SF of residential, office and/or mixed use development.
“Since the announcement of the ballpark there has been strong interest in the surrounding development,” said Denis Dowdle, President of Madison Properties. He continues, “In response to that interest, we’ve made changes and expanded the development of Phase 1.”
Under the modification, Madison Properties will construct an additional 5-story, 96,000 SF office building in left field. The property will sit above an underground parking garage and include a roof deck and retail space overlooking the playing field. The 110-room boutique hotel will move south of Madison St adjacent to a 140-room extended stay hotel, 225 apartments and 50,000 SF of retail split between the north and south side of Madison.
“The momentum has been building rapidly since the announcement of this redevelopment project 8 months ago; the enthusiasm from residents and the business community is palpable.” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. He continued, “Mr. Dowdle and his team at Madison Properties were instrumental in getting the deal over the finish line. With a proven track record of success both here in Worcester and in other cities, we are thrilled to see the evolution of this project take shape and look forward to seeing the transformation of an already vibrant and thriving neighborhood.”
“We’re excited to see the expansion of development planning in Phase One,” said PawSox Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development and Business Affairs Dan Rea. “The unique and stately office building overlooking Polar Park’s left field will be a space unlike any other in baseball, and will provide a signature component of our project that aligns beautifully with our shared vision that this effort is about much more than a ballpark.’”
