For Immediate Release: 11/29/2022 1:11 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/25/22
MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Peterson, PetersonA@worcesterma.gov, 508-799-1175 X31317
Worcester Redevelopment Authority Opens Request for Proposal for Sale and Development of Former Denholm Building
WORCESTER, MA – The Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) and City of Worcester are seeking business proposals for the sale and development of 484-500 Main Street, known as the Denholm building in downtown Worcester.
In September, the WRA purchased the historic building that once housed the Denholm department store and more recently a collective of non-profit organizations that have since relocated to 18 Chestnut Street, also located in downtown Worcester, as part of the Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan (URP).
The URP was initiated in 2016 by the WRA in cooperation with the City of Worcester and the Worcester City Council. The overarching vision of the URP is to build on the current momentum of downtown revitalization through strategic public investments to cultivate a safe, vibrant downtown with a strong and sustainable economic vitality. A revitalized downtown will provide an 18-hour live, work and play environment which offers new opportunities to underperforming properties, connects people and places and capitalizes on Worcester's unique location and characteristics. The URP focuses on revitalization through publicizing arts and tourism destinations, improving the visitor experience, attracting new or expanding existing commercial and industrial users, enhancing residential quality of life and remediating brownfields to increase developable land area.
“The purchase of the former Denholm building made perfect sense for the City under the guiding principles of the Urban Revitalization Plan,” said Peter Dunn, Chief Development Officer of Economic Development and Chief Executive Officer of the WRA. “We look forward to fielding proposals from qualified buyers and developers who share the City’s economic and cultural vision for downtown and beyond.”
Proposals are due at the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, Room 402, City Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts 01608 no later than Friday, February 17, 2023 at 10 a.m. The WRA and City encourages proposals from Minority and/or Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE). Bid documents can be found at Bid Details | City of Worcester, MA (worcesterma.gov)
Inquiries related to technical, procurement or contractual matters must be submitted in writing to: Mr. Greg Ormsby, Special Projects Manager, Worcester Redevelopment Authority, City Hall, 455 Main Street, Room 402 Worcester, MA 01608.
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