News

Worcester's Hadley Project Well On Its Way To Completion

MassHousing Commits $3.3 Million for Creation of 45 Apartments in Former Furniture Building

For immediate release
Contact: Sharon Fradkin, 781-856-5245

Worcester, MA- The eagerly-awaited apartment and commercial development on the site of the former Hadley Burwick furniture company in Worcester enjoyed a well-attended groundbreaking on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. With over 130 people in attendance including many area dignitaries - a testament to the excitement in the City of Worcester for this project.

Worcester City Manager Michael O'Brien congratulated David Rodriguez-Pinzon, the CEO of Economic Development Financing Corp. (EDFC), owner/developer for The Hadley project, for "having the gumption to bring the Main South area and Arts District and the historic Hadley building to positive use for the city and for Worcester residents." He thanked Mr. Rodriguez-Pinzon for his perseverance in allowing Worcester to "continue its forward progress" and smiled broadly while exclaiming "There's no stopping us now!"

State Rep. John Fresolo, echoing his appreciation for EDFC and Mr. Rodriguez-Pinzon, represented Lt. Gov. Murray, former Worcester mayor, who was unexpectedly called away. "Lt. Gov. Murray and my colleagues at the State House played an integral role in bringing this Smart Growth project to the citizens I represent in Worcester," he said.

District Councilor Barbara Haller, a longtime proponent of the Worcester Arts District, praised Congressman Jim McGovern for his continued help around early obstacles and thanked many other Worcester area managers and organizational directors for their continual cooperation in reaching this milestone.

Tom Gleason, Exec. Director of MassHousing, a state agency that offers financing options for developers interested in building attractive, sustainable and affordable housing, explained that " ... the Hadley project had its detractors who thought it couldn't be done," and praised David Rodriguez-Pinzon's dedication to "making it happen."

Mr. Rodriguez-Pinzon spoke of his appreciation to the numerous companies involved with The Hadley project including Lee Kennedy Construction and Fine Associates, the project architect, and especially thanked the other members of EDFC who share the company's vision to create similar projects for other cities and towns throughout the state. "We have over 1,000 Workforce Housing units in our prospective development pipeline and opportunities exist for private investors to be part of this housing trend that is so welcomed by state, city and municipal leaders and residents alike," he said.

The event ended with the ceremonial "shovel in the dirt" and smiles all around for this fabulous Worcester Arts District project.