The City of Worcester announced Thursday, Oct. 1, that it will receive a total of $4.95 million in state grants for four separate projects. The largest portion, $3 million, is earmarked for the demolition of the long‑vacant Denholm Building, clearing a 1.2‑acre parcel in the downtown core for future development.
State funding details
The awards are part of Governor Maura Healey’s record $330 million Community One Stop for Growth round. State Senator Michael Moore, D‑Millbury, highlighted that projects in his Second Worcester District will collectively receive nearly $10 million.
Funding for the Denholm demolition comes from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, as shown on the state’s award spreadsheet. In addition, MassWorks will provide $1.65 million to the city and New Garden Park Inc. for the GreenTech Park & Greendale Revitalization Initiative on Worcester’s north side. That money will rebuild an existing roadway and install new street infrastructure to support up to one million square feet of new manufacturing space.
Downtown improvements
The city will partner with the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District to secure a $250,000 Massachusetts Downtown Initiative capital grant. The grant will fund the purchase and installation of four interactive digital wayfinding kiosks and the hanging of 88 new banners throughout the downtown area.
A separate $50,000 grant from the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program will help fill long‑vacant storefronts in the city’s Commercial Area Revitalization District, encouraging new businesses to open in those spaces.
Local leadership comments
City Manager Eric Batista said the combined grants will not only bring the projects to fruition but also expand Worcester’s tax base and provide lasting economic benefits for residents. Mayor Joe Petty noted that the Healey administration has already directed $24 million to 38 Worcester projects since 2022.
Senator Moore expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled that the Healey Administration has allocated nearly $10 million to projects in the communities I represent. I look forward to seeing these dollars get put to use to help boost our economies and make material improvements in residents’ lives as we continue to tackle Massachusetts’ housing crisis.”
Regional impact
Three additional towns in Senator Moore’s district also received grants: Shrewsbury will use $3,676,630 to build a signalized intersection on Stoney Hill Road ahead of a planned 250‑unit mixed‑use development; Westborough secured $808,000 to replace aging sewer pipes downtown and $150,000 to draft an economic development plan for the I‑495 and Route 9 gateway; Auburn will apply $390,000 to design a shared‑use path along a Mass Electric right‑of‑way and complete nearby street improvements.
The state’s One Stop program this round reached 207 communities, the most in a single round since its inception in 2021. Thirteen communities are receiving One Stop money for the first time. State officials project the funded projects will support more than 27,000 new homes, create 13,000 permanent jobs, and generate over 7 million square feet of commercial development. The administration estimates the grants could unlock $24.6 billion in private investment.
Program background
The HousingWorks Infrastructure Program and the MassWorks Infrastructure Program together account for the bulk of the funding, at about $109.7 million and $105.1 million respectively. The Executive Office of Economic Development oversees the One Stop application process, channeling requests to 14 programs run by that office, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and MassDevelopment. Since 2021, the program has distributed more than 1,900 awards totaling over $1 billion.
Original reporting: This Week in Worcester — read the source article.
