City seeks developers for former courthouse
Worcester officials have begun the process of finding a developer for the former Worcester County courthouse after issuing a “request for interest” (RFI) for the long-vacant Lincoln Square building.
“Redevelopment of this historic civic building will take the city one step closer to our goal of creating a bustling, 18-hours-a-day downtown,” City Manager Edward Augustus said in an email response to questions. “The former courthouse was an anchor in Lincoln Square for almost two centuries, and its revitalization is another crucial piece of the renaissance of the North Main area.”
The building sits on the corner of Main and Highland streets. The original 40,000-square-foot structure dates back to 1845, and a 214,000-square-foot annex was added in 1954. The 4.28-acre site has been vacant since 2007 when the new courthouse opened closer to downtown. The old courthouse is located near the former Worcester Vocational Technical High School, which was recently redeveloped into the Voke Lofts by WinnCompanies.
The former courthouse “will complement the new Voke Lofts and MCPHS (University) and we believe it will generate additional interest from developers in the Worcester Auditorium and former Boys Club building,” said Augustus. The courthouse and auditorium are on opposite corners. The former Boys Club building is located in front of the auditorium.
The city took over ownership of the courthouse in August from the state. The city also received $3 million to go toward environmental remediation, roof and exterior repairs and possible demolition of the 1954 annex, according to the (RFI) announcement.
The site is zoned for business office and general business use, according to the RFI, and a preference will be given to proposals that are consistent with that zoning.
“We are looking for a historic redevelopment project that brings vitality to the north Main Street area, whether it’s residential, office, academic, or institutional,” Augustus said. “Preference will be given to developers looking to keep within the current zoning to ensure the project moves forward in a timely manner.”
Letters of interest will be reviewed by the city’s acting chief development officer.
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