The third phase of the Worcester Housing Authority’s redevelopment of the Lakeside Apartments and infrastructure upgrades related to a massive mixed-use project in Littleton were among 64 projects in Central Massachusetts which received funding from the state’s fiscal 2026 Community One Stop for Growth Awards.The largest grant went toward funding infrastructure upgrades at the site of King Street Common in Littleton, a project which received $5 million. Lupoli Cos., a Lawrence-based firm owned by Sal’s Pizza founder Sal Lupoli, is working to build a 50-acre, mixed-use development there.The company behind Sal's Pizza has broken ground on a 2.3-million-square-foot, mixed-use development in Littleton. RENDERING COURTESY OF LITTLETON PLANNING BOARDWHA’s Lakeside Apartments project received $2 million.The third phase of the project, expected to begin in 2027, is part of a larger effort to completely rebuild the 202-unit complex, which was built in 1949, according to the Worcester Housing Authority website. The new complex will contain 350 units when completed, with the third phase seeing the demolition of 65 units to create 104 new ones. “Every aspect of the redevelopment of Lakeside Apartments, from the design to the funding, and beyond exemplifies the very best of what can be done when private and public partners stand committed to a common goal,” WHA CEO Alex Corrales said in a Thursday press release about the funding the authority received. Community One Stop for Growth is an application portal and collaborative review process of state grant programs. It combines 12 grant programs, streamlining the application process in an effort to spur economic development.“These grants will help communities build housing, lower costs, improve road safety, revitalize downtowns, create jobs and more,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a Oct. 31 press release announcing this year’s awards.Other projects receiving funding included utility upgrades, bridge replacements, and housing feasibility studies. Last year, 63 Central Massachusetts projects received $32 million in funding. The full list of One Stop for Growth Award recipients can be found here.Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.
