Worcester Business Development Corp.

Worcester has changed a lot over the last decade and a half. Not only has its downtown been physically transformed through a half-billion-dollar revitalization project, but City Manager Ed Augustus said the city in the heart of the commonwealth is carrying itself with a refreshed attitude.

After announcing in August that a quarter of the 1.8-million-square-foot Draper Mill in Hopedale would be demolished to make the site more amenable to new development, the owner of the historic centerpiece of the town said Tuesday the facility now will be entirely torn down.

Redevelopment of the former Worcester State Hospital is taking major steps forward with site work for two new life sciences buildings. The new development, though, won't include the century-old Hale Building, a last remnant of the old state hospital off Belmont Street.

On Friday, Oct. 2, Worcester Business Journal will host the latest webcast in its series looking at the changes in the business community in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, focusing on commercial real estate and delving into the data and early trends, what sectors are strong, where there is weak demand, and where there are opportunities.

Webster developer Galaxy Life Sciences believes the Massachusetts life sciences industry is so strong, the company will have a new tenant lined up for its new $50-million biomanufacturing facility in a matter of months.

Galaxy Life Sciences, a sister company to the developer of the Trolley Yard retail complex in Worcester, on Friday evening announced plans to spend at least $50 million to develop a biomanufacturing facility at the 46-acre Worcester life sciences campus The Reactory.

WuXi Biologics, a Chinese life sciences company slated to anchor a new biomanufacturing complex in Worcester, has closed on a deal with the property owner, the Worcester Business Development Corp.

New hires and promotions at companies like AAFCPAs in Westborough, Bryley Sytems in Clinton, Concierge Physical Therapy in Sutton, Reliant Medical Group and Framingham State University.

The Worcester Business Development Corp. and Worcester Cultural Coalition have broken ground on the future Black Box Theatre at 20 Franklin St.

The biomanufacturing park being built at the site of the former Worcester State Hospital will now be known as The Reactory, according to landowner Worcester Business Development Corp.