Situated on the corner of Providence and Harrison streets, the site is about 750 feet from the bridge across I-290, connecting the neighborhood to the Canal District.
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A Boston-based developer is planning to construct a 50-unit apartment building at the former site of Worcester Academy’s alumni offices on Providence Street.
First Boston Sustainable Institute is seeking Worcester Zoning Board of Appeals approval for a variance needed to construct a new four-story building at 51 Providence St., according to materials submitted to the ZBA. The firm is led by CEO Joseph Gallagher.
Situated on the corner of Providence and Harrison streets, the site is about 750 feet from the bridge across I-290, connecting the neighborhood to the Canal District.
Gallagher purchased the property in November 2023 for $900,000, with Worcester Academy moving to the Walker Hall building on its main campus.
Plans for the site call for the construction of a 63,000-square-foot building featuring a total of 68 bedrooms.
The application does not mention the number of affordable apartments planned at the site, although First Boston Sustainable Institute describes the project as an affordable housing development.
Worcester requires new multifamily projects with 12 or more units to include income-restricted units or to pay into the Worcester Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Gallagher declined comment when reached by WBJ.
The building would include four studios, 28 one-bedroom apartments, and 18 two-bedroom apartments. Plans include 50 parking spaces.
The project seeks a waiver to front-yard setback requirements, looking for a variance allowing a six-foot setback rather than the required 15-foot setback. The project will need approval from the Worcester Planning Board.
Matthew Eckel of Worcester-based law firm Fletcher Tilton PC is representing Gallagher for the project. North Andover-based CUBE3 is providing architectural services.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated the property is on the corner of Providence and Hudson streets. It is actually on the corner of Providence and Harrison streets.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the real estate and banking & finance industries.
