June 3, 2008 - The Springfield Redevelopment Authority in cooperation with the City of Springfield and the Springfield Finance Control Board announced today that Connolly and Partners has been named Preferred Developer for the Court Square Redevelopment Opportunity. The project will redevelop 13-31 Elm Street, 3-7 Elm Street and other ancillary properties. Seven development teams initially submitted proposals, and based upon qualifications, background, and similar experience, Connolly emerged as the preferred developer.  

“We’re excited that through this process we were able to find a respected and established developer to undertake this important project,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “We now begin the task of working closely with the Connolly team to make their inspired proposal a reality.”  

Connolly and Partners have proposed a mixed use concept involving retail, restaurant, residential, artist lofts, suites-style hotel, and potentially a new structure that would include parking in addition to an interior rooftop greenspace. 

"We are excited about the opportunity and responsibility being named preferred developer for such a significant project in the City of Springfield," said William Connolly. "We look forward to returning these buildings to their past glory and productivity, which will bring new life to Court Square."    

The Springfield Redevelopment Authority accepted the recommendation of the seven person selection committee in a meeting on May 29th. Over the summer, the Connolly team will work closely with the city in examining the financial aspects of the project. The schedule calls for construction to begin in 2009. 

 “The selection committee fully supported recommending Connolly and Partners to the Springfield Redevelopment Authority,” said Brian Connors, Deputy Director of Economic Development and Court Square Project Manager. “The committee was impressed by the vision of the proposal and the qualifications and experience of the members of the team.” 

The properties included in the project in addition to 13-31 and 3-7 Elm Street will be N/S State Street (98 and 100) and 104-108 State Street. The SRA plans to demolish the building currently standing at 104-108 State Street once the existing tenant is relocated.  

Uses sought for the buildings include market-rate housing a boutique style hotels or other mixed use. Uses for the ground floor level include retail, restaurant and the arts.  

The Urban Land Institute, an internationally recognized advisory service that last year issued a 47-page report of projects and initiatives the City should engage in to stimulate significant economic growth and development, pointed the Elm Street building out as a significant opportunity for downtown housing. In a February 2007 report, consultants Zimmerman/Volk Associates noted that downtown Springfield could absorb over 750 of such non-subsidized housing units over the next five years.  

The 13-31 Elm Street building was originally designed by Frederick Newman and built in 1892. In 1900 a sixth floor was added and the Court Square Hotel was built and connected to the original building, wrapping the hotel addition alongside the Juvenile Court and facing State Street. 3-7 Elm Street is recorded as being built in 1835, one of the oldest buildings still standing in the city. 

Public improvements have surrounded the site, with the project site lying at the nexus of the $2.5 million Main Street improvements that are nearing completion, and the $13 million State Street improvements that are set to begin. With $71 million spent on the construction of the new MassMutual Center just across Main Street, a new Federal Courthouse set to open, and the overhaul of public improvements made at Court Square Park adjacent to the buildings, the properties are well situated to take advantage of the public investments.