Holy Cross to Explore Development of Southbridge Street Site

Initiative dovetails with other planning efforts underway in South Worcester, along Southbridge Street corridor

WORCESTER, Mass. – The College of the Holy Cross has convened a community advisory committee of local residents, students, and College staff to explore the feasibility of a mixed-use retail/office/commercial development on the College-owned four-acre site at Southbridge and College streets.

A developer has been involved in the initial discussions about the project, and will be present when the committee holds its first meeting, within the next week.

“At this preliminary stage, we are very interested in the reactions and suggestions from constituents who are closest to the site,” said Rev. Michael McFarland, S.J., president of Holy Cross. “Our goal is to develop an area that will be effectively integrated with the neighborhood, and will be a true benefit both to our students and to those who live and work nearby. In addition, as city, state, and federal officials consider the possibilities of the Southbridge Street corridor as an enhanced gateway to Worcester, we believe this development can be a strategic part of that vision.”

The initiative builds upon the comprehensive College Hill Neighborhood Development plan that the City of Worcester, Holy Cross, and neighborhood groups developed in 2004-05. It also is informed by the planning work underway through the South Worcester Master Plan and the Southbridge Street Corridor Plan, the latter cosponsored by the City of Worcester and U.S. Rep. James McGovern (D-Worcester).

The area to be developed abuts College and Caro streets, and continues for about 650 feet along Southbridge Street. It is the site of a former Howard Johnson’s Hotel, which was purchased by Holy Cross in 1997, and demolished in early 1998. While the land is owned by the College, the development of the properties is expected to generate additional property tax revenues for the City.

The College has asked the developer to begin work on a plan that would complement the campus and the College Hill neighborhood, and provide services to students, staff, and local residents. Traffic and parking patterns, building density, zoning changes, and environmental impact will also be examined closely with the City of Worcester in this preliminary planning stage.

Fr. McFarland also noted that the plan is fully in the spirit of Worcester’s UniverCity Partnership, which encourages collaboration among private businesses, municipal government and the city’s colleges. “We were pleased that our work two years ago with City Hall and the Worcester Tornadoes brought professional baseball to Worcester,” he said. “Today, with so many transformative and exciting changes taking place in this section of the City — from the Route 146/Blackstone Canal project to major construction and renovation at the other end of Southbridge Street including the Hanover Center for the Performing Arts — we are proud to be an active partner in Worcester’s development.”

Commenting on the plans, City Councilor Barbara Haller, who represents the College Hill and South Worcester neighborhoods, said: “I am delighted that Holy Cross understands our linked futures when it comes to the development of this critical parcel of land. I pledge my engagement in the inclusive process outlined and look to an outcome that moves both the College and the neighborhood forward.”

The planning stage will take approximately 90 days, and will result in a detailed analysis and site plan. Possible tenants for the complex could include one or two main “anchor” establishments, restaurants or coffee shops, an inn, retail shops and offices.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Ryder 508-793-2419 eryder@holycross.edu