Boston developer purchases Mission Chapel for $338K

Photo | Grant Welker The Mission Chapel in Worcester could be renovated for residential units.

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By Zachary Comeau

A Boston-based developer has purchased the former Mission Chapel building on Summer Street in Worcester for $337,500 with plans to redevelop the space next to Saint Vincent Hospital into seven market-rate apartments.

Traggorth Cos. will invest about $5 million into the project, said President Dave Traggorth.

The front portion of the long vacant chapel could become commercial space.

“We’re really keeping an open mind about the possibilities as we further design plans and talk to people about the building,” he said. “We’re really excited to get to know folks and realize the potential of the building.”

The company is seeking state historic tax credits before it begins creating one-to-three-bedroom apartments at the 165-year-old property abutting Saint Vincent Hospital.

The project has yet to go before any other city boards. It will need approval from the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, as the agency holds a preservation restriction on the building, which restricts residential use at the property.

Traggorth said his company specializes in creative reuses of historic properties, pointing to the JM Lofts in Haverhill and the Atlas Lofts in Chelsea, both renovations of former factories.

Aside from the great location close to downtown Worcester and Union Station, Traggorth and his company like the building’s history, as it served the immigrant and poor populations of Worcester in the 1800s.

“It really exemplifies Worcester as a welcoming and open place for everyone,” Traggorth said.

Real estate firm Kellher & Sadowsky brokered the sale.