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Poll results

Draper Mill owner Hopedale Properties, run by principal Philip Shwachman who has owned the property for 30 years, originally planned to salvage the majority of the 19th-century sprawling building after undergoing a partial demolition. However, the Worcester Business Development Corp., which is helping Shwachman assess the property for potential development, announced on Dec. 1 the 1.8-million-square-foot building would be demolished in its entirety, citing environmental and safety concerns. This decision will overhaul the character of Hopedale, a small town with approximately 6,000 residents. 

Do you agree with the decision to demolish Draper Mill in its entirety?
Yes, it's difficult to restore massive older properties in an economically feasible way. (56%, 74 VOTES)
No, historic structures like the Draper Mill should be a creatively reused, with sufficient incentives in place to do so. (44%, 58 VOTES)
Poll Description

Draper Mill owner Hopedale Properties, run by principal Philip Shwachman who has owned the property for 30 years, originally planned to salvage the majority of the 19th-century sprawling building after undergoing a partial demolition. However, the Worcester Business Development Corp., which is helping Shwachman assess the property for potential development, announced on Dec. 1 the 1.8-million-square-foot building would be demolished in its entirety, citing environmental and safety concerns. This decision will overhaul the character of Hopedale, a small town with approximately 6,000 residents. 

  • 132 Votes
  • 2 Comments
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2 Comments

  • December 15, 2020

    Community input should be taken into consideration as well.

  • December 11, 2020
    It was long past time to get rid of this eyesore - the owner never intended to rehab the site, and brought blight to Hopedale. I can only hope that the remediation goes without issue - there is a horrible smell in the air from the exposed wooden floors, soaked with creosote or some other toxic chemical.