Washington Square Hotel Site Sold to Fall River Firm

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Saturday, November 15, 2014

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority reached an agreement on Friday morning with Fall River hotel developer, First Bristol Corporation, on a proposed hotel site at Washington Square.

The 40,700 square foot area resides on the corner of Washington Square and Summer Street. Currently, the former KJ Baaron's liquor store is on the site. On Thursday November 20th, the first public presentation of the proposed hotel will take place at the Shrewsbury Street Neighborhood Association meeting at Mt.Carmel Recreation Center.

Dennis Murphy, President of Ventry Associates in Worcester, and spokesperson for First Bristol Corporation, is "encouraged by today's vote."

Murphy, along with the project's development team, will be present at the Shrewsbury Street meeting next Thursday at 7pm, where he and his team will present photos and designs of the proposed site. 

In an interview with GoLocal Worcester, Murphy said, "There are a significant number of hurdles to go through. If all goes well, we look forward to bringing a meanginful development into Worcester."

What Does This Mean for Worcester?

The sale of the land is a big step in the right direction for Worcester's ongoing plan to redevelop Washington Square. The city has transformed the area around Union Station by creating a smaller rotary, and building a hub for both Worcester Regional Transit Authority inner-city buses, and other intra-city bus lines like Peter Pan and Greyhound. Washington Square connects downtown with Shrewsbury Street's "Restaurant Row," serves as an access way to Saint Vincent's Medical Center, and helps funnel traffic towards Worcester's Canal District.

Gary Vecchio, the Chairman of the Shrewsbury Street Neighborhood Association said, "Based on what they (Ventry Associates) have told me about the hotel, it's an exciting plan for Worcester and Washington Square."

"There will not be a restaurant inside the hotel," said Murphy. "We want to encourage people to go to restaurants on Shrewsbury Street."

Vecchio said, "For the restaurants, it's a real positive. It goes to show, the developer is aware of where he's putting that hotel. There are plenty of restaurants for the hotel patrons to go to. That kind of thinking is what we makes me think that the project is rigth for the city."

Ventry Associates Releases Statement

In a released statement, Murphy said “First Bristol Corporation is one of New England’s premier real estate development firms. Our company is continually focused on seeking new opportunities in markets across the region. As the second largest city in New England, with ten colleges and universities, Worcester has been one of our target markets for the past several years. The City’s growth over the past decade has made it one of the Commonwealth’s most attractive destinations for businesses, visitors, and residents alike.

We have identified a location we believe is particularly well suited for a first class hotel product. We are encouraged by the progress made today with the city, but our ability to move forward is still subject to the resolution of a number of outstanding issues including cost analysis, site engineering work, and general due diligence. We will continue this process over the coming weeks and months and we look forward to working with the community and with city leaders to bring this exciting development to Worcester.”

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