Boston Developer to Spend $30 Million on Former Worcester Voke School

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Monday, July 02, 2012

GolocalWorcester Business Team

The former Worcester Vocational High School is being developed into 84 apartments, called Voke Lofts.

Spearheading the project is Winn Development of Boston, which recently completed a similar project at the former Chevalier Furniture building called Canal Lofts.

Gilbert Winn, managing principal of Winn Development, said the company is under agreement with the city to purchase the property for $1.7 million, and will spend a total of $30 million converting the former school into the housing units.

"We're very familiar with old historic buildings, and we feel we have expertise in this type of project," Winn said.

Winn said that once completed, Winn Development will continue to own the property and act as the landlord.

"Half of the units will be income restricted," Winn said. "And half will be market rate, just like our Canal Lofts project."

Winn said the Canal Lofts project was so well received that the property was fully leased with a waiting list within three months of its certificate of occupancy.

Winn also said that he plans to use the community space in the building like an art gallery for local artists. "We want to work with the Worcester Art Museum and showcase local artists.

This is the second former school on Grove Street to be converted to housing. North High Street on Grove Street was converted to the condominium building North High Gardens more than 20 years ago.