Photo | Brandon Butler
The 120-year-old Johnsonia Building was torn down after a 2011 fire.
August 28, 2024
Fitchburg seeks proposals for downtown hotel lot left vacant by 2011 fire
Image | Courtesy of Google Maps
The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority is seeking proposals to bring new life into a vacant downtown parcel that has sat empty since a 2011 fire.
Thirteen years after a fire destroyed the Johnsonia Building in Fitchburg, the City’s redevelopment authority has put out a request for proposals for the vacant lot where the former hotel building once sat, with hopes the parcel can play a key role in revitalizing the downtown area.
The vacant 15,651-square-foot lot at 520 Main St. was purchased by the Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority in 2021. Now, the FRA has put out a request for proposal seeking to bring new life to a space empty since the 120-year-old Johnsonia Building was damaged beyond repair in 2011. Spending its early days as a hotel, the building had been converted into an upscale residential building at the time of the fire.
The lot was purchased by the FRA in 2021, a quasi-public agency established by City officials in 1964 to guide urban renewal. An Urban Renewal Plan initiated in 2001 and established in 2022 seeks to revitalize Fitchburg’s downtown to create a vibrant area featuring residential, commercial, and entertainment uses, according to a press release issued by the FRA on Monday.
“This project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area,” FRA Executive Director Meagen Donoghue said in an email to WBJ. “The development of this site will bring new businesses, job opportunities, and vibrant community spaces to our city, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents. We are excited about the positive impact this will have on Fitchburg's economy, attracting further investment and fostering a dynamic and prosperous future for our community.”
Applicants must include details on their proposal’s economic impact and how the proposed fit complies with the objectives of the Urban Renewal Plan, according to the RFP. The property is located in Fitchburg’s Intown Business zone, which allows for retail, business services, housing, and office uses, with a focus on providing an environment which is safe for high volume pedestrian traffic.
The property is located in a Federal Opportunity Zone, according to the FRA. These zones are areas where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment.
In addition to potential funding from the FRA, the organization identified multiple possible funding sources for proposals, including MassDevelopment grants, funds from the North Central Massachusetts Development Corp., and potential funding from programs run by the City.
The RFP document is available on the FRA’s website. Proposals are due by 10 a.m on Dec. 6 at the FRA’s office at 166 Boulder Drive.
Eric Casey is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.
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