DCU Center Launches Expansion, Renovation

Jacquelyn Gutc Worcester City Manager Michael V. O'Brien touted new developments in the downtown area, saying said the city has hit its stride.

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The DCU Center in Worcester today launched its $23-million renovation and expansion project with a ceremonial column breaking, attended by state and local officials and members of the public.

The 15,000-seat, city-owned arena, which marked its 30th anniversary last year, will see upgrades to both the interior and exterior of the facility. Interior renovations include a redesigned box office, four new event suites, new and upgraded restrooms, an expanded concourse and retail spaces.

Speaking before the crowd, which included members of the arena's home hockey team, the Worcester Sharks, City Manager Michael V. O'Brien urged the audience to look around the box office area of the arena where everyone gathered.

"Keep that picture in your mind for it'll be gone very shortly," he said.

Improvements will be made to the mechanical and electrical systems, and include a new chiller plant, emergency generator, and upgrades to the fire protection and security systems. The exterior work will complement the architectural and aesthetic design of the convention center as well as construction efforts within the nearby CitySquare development, officials said. Also included among exterior improvements are a new façade, digital marquee, streetscape and a landscaped promenade leading into the facility.

O'Brien said the city has finally hit its stride, noting recent and ongoing developments in the downtown area, including the mixed-use CitySquare. Adding to that sentiment, City Councilor At-Large Konstantina Lukes said, "Worcester, I think, has started to believe in itself."

Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray, who's also the former mayor, said he remembered the push to get the arena built in the early 1980s, which included two voter referendums.

"Without a doubt, this was a major cornerstone that helped revamp the downtown," he said.

Last year, officials said the renovations are necessary for the arena to compete with other similar venues in New England. The arena underwent an initial phase of capital improvements in 2009. In 1997, the DCU Center added the convention center.

The project is being managed by Consigli Construction Co. of Milford.

Watch a video rendering of the renovations coming to the DCU Center below: