Developspringfield

Our mission is to help create conditions that encourage private development, with a bricks-and-mortar focus and always with an eye toward understanding and meeting Springfield’s unique and diverse redevelopment needs.

DevelopSpringfield was formed in 2008 as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation to advance development and redevelopment projects, to stimulate and support economic growth, and to expedite the revitalization process within the City of Springfield. The organization’s board of directors includes representatives from the city, state, and local business community.

DevelopSpringfield brings to the development process a noteworthy measure of flexibility and a clear commitment to demonstrating that development in Springfield can make economic sense.

We are fully focused on economic development and revitalization in the City of Springfield.  Our programs and projects are designed to address a variety of issues and to work toward strategic redevelopment that will attract private investment in business as well as help to make Springfield the place where people want to live, work and recreate.

OUR WORK

Our work includes both bricks and mortar redevelopment projects as well as planning projects that engage a cross sector of our community. Examples of projects include: Site preparation for potential redevelopment by private developer of the former River Inn on State Street; historic rehabilitation of the Gunn Block located at the corner of State and Walnut Streets--plan to redevelop for mixed use--possible restaurant on first floor, residential on upper floors; development of the Lower Maple Business Park to include the historic rehabilitation of the Ansel Phelps House at 83 Maple Street, the former Female Seminary at 77 Maple Street and the Carriage House at 69 Maple Street--plans to redevelop for office use.

Our Corridor Storefront Improvement Program provides grants to street level businesses on State and Main Streets to assist with facade improvements (windows, doors, signage, etc.).

Work has also been done to assist with single family home development in the heavily tornado impacted Central Street area; as well as a Curb Appeal program to assist homeowners with street-visible improvements to their home and yard space in this neighborhood.

Planning projects include work for revitalization in the Worthington Street area (affected by November 2012 natural gas explosion); State Street Corridor; Federal Square area; and FutureCity2025 Economic Development Plan.

Plans continue to be underway to bring a full line grocery store to the Mason Square area.

All of the areas that we focus our work on are with the intention of eliminating blight, improving neighborhoods, and helping to support a stronger Springfield for our citizens, business owners and visitors.

In addition, we are collaborating with the Commonwealth, MassDevelopment, the City of Springfield, Valley Venture Mentors, the Innovation Hub and MassMutual Financial Group to bring an Innovation Center to Bridge Street in downtown to include a cafe, business accelerator and mentoring space, and other amenities. This project is in the heart of the City's Innovation District, an area targeted for redevelopment to include vibrant dining/restaurants, convenient access to Union Station, and other small business opportunities.

PARTNERSHIP INVESTMENT PROGRAM

We invite you to invest in the work of DevelopSpringfield by joining our new annual Partnership Investment Program.  By becoming a Partner, you will help to provide a foundation of financial support to strengthen our work while having the opportunity to participate in strategic planning and advisory groups that help shape our direction and focus in areas such as real estate strategy; urban development and design. 

Click here for more details on the Partner program! 

Visit us online at www.developspringfield.com
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