Chamber urges business activity at Union Station
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Union Station
As developers descend upon downtown Worcester and attempt to remake the city’s center, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce is hoping to tap into that optimism by utilizing Union Station's economic potential.
The facility, which serves as the public transportation hub for the heart of Massachusetts, is currently a relatively empty facility except for the commuter rail and some scheduled events, the chamber said in a new report.
Despite a 2000 renovation, there is empty retail and commercial space at the station, the chamber said in the report.
“Over the last few years the downtown area has been rapidly improving due to the growing arts and cultural scene, new restaurants and retail venues,” the chamber said. “Union Station is a great location for commercial, retail and office space which can add to this renewed vibrancy in Worcester.”
The chamber cited several downtown projects, including the $565-million CitySquare development, Edge at Union Station, three new hotels and more than 1,000 new housing units either completed or under construction.
Union Station up to seven individual spaces available for retail and Luciano’s Restaurant is largely open only on the weekends, creating an underutilized space during the week.
A coffee shop is the only daily food operation during morning and early afternoon hours, according to the chamber.
With large numbers of college students utilizing the station, the chamber recommended eateries such as a Chipotle or a food market like Trader Joe's.
“The empty space must be utilized for Union Station to reach its full potential,” the chamber said. “A fully leased and activated Union Station can play a key role in connecting and servicing the various neighborhoods and business districts it abuts.”
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