June 2014

Rebuild Springfield Progress Report 2014

DevelopSpringfield hosted an event on May 29 to mark the two year anniversary of the Rebuild Springfield Plan release and to commemorate the third anniversary of the June 1, 2011 tornado. City officials, volunteers, contributors, residents and other stakeholders gathered on Central Street to hear remarks highlighting Rebuild Springfield Plan progress. Attendees were also provided an opportunity to tour newly rebuilt homes in the severely tornado damaged Central Street corridor.

The Rebuild Springfield Plan is a city-wide master plan designed to provide a framework for addressing the redevelopment needs of neighborhoods impacted by the June 2011 tornado. Additionally, the plan serves as a guide for addressing a wide range of issues relevant to the city as a whole.

DevelopSpringfield, in partnership with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, facilitated the planning process which included the input of our city residents and stakeholders and was published in the Spring of 2012. The progress made to date, along with future work to be done, is the result of many community partners working together to support a common goal of a stronger Springfield.

Click here for a link to the press release.
Click here for a link to the online flip-book of the report.
Click here for version en Espa�ol.

Grant Supports Revitalization of State Street Property

890 State Street

DevelopSpringfield recently awarded a $25,000 grant for fa�ade improvements to 886-892 State Street, property owned by Lorilee I, LLC. Building tenants include the new Q Restaurant at 890 State Street featuring homemade southern style barbecue.

The recently awarded funds were used to revitalize and improve the existing facade and included masonry work, new windows, doors, and signage. Improvements to this space included renovations to three separate storefronts.

The grant is supporting a substantial investment for improvements to the building by the property owner and represents an enormous commitment to revitalization in the State Street corridor and Mason Square area of Springfield.

890 State Street

The grant is made possible under DevelopSpringfield's Corridor Storefront Improvement Program which provides grants of up to $10,000 per storefront for exterior improvements to first floor businesses located on State and Main Streets in Springfield. Click here for information on the program.

Western Mass Developers Conference June 26

The Western Massachusetts Developers Conference is a regional conference aimed at connecting leaders, realtors, site selectors, economic development organizations, and others interested in learning about the exciting development opportunities of this region. Partners include the EDC of Western MA, Economic Development Partners (EDP), MassDevelopment and MassEcon.

The Conference will highlight Western Massachusetts as an exceptional place to invest, start, and grow businesses.

Keynote Luncheon Speaker is Roger W. Crandall, Chairman, President & CEO, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. Crandall will share why this Springfield-based company calls Western Massachusetts home.

Event also includes:

Information on "shovel ready" development opportunities
Curated tours of downtown Springfield and the Pioneer Valley
A review of the Western Mass Value Proposition
A CEO panel sharing how the region supports their business growth
A review of recent major infrastructure investments and exciting projects on the horizon
Includes a light breakfast, lunch, tours and reception

FREE for attendees, space is limited. Registration is required.

Click here for more information and to register.

Recent Media Highlights

Coverage of Rebuild Springfield Progress Report Event

Click here for a link to article in The Republican/Masslive
Click here for story on ABC40/Fox6
Click here for story on 22News
Click here for story posted on BusinessWest.com "Daily News"

Please forward this newsletter to others in the Springfield community to help spread the news!

Our mission is to help create conditions that encourage private development, with a bricks-and-mortar focus and always with an eye toward understanding and meeting Springfield's unique and diverse redevelopment needs.

STAY CONNECTED