Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined Jay Minkarah, President and CEO of DevelopSpringfield, today for a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to unveil restorations made to the historic Merrick Phelps House at 83 Maple Street.
Mayor Sarno stated, “’Back to the future!’- this homestead has a rich history. I’m glad to see our DevelopSpringfield play a pivotal role in repurposing this property to reflect not only the past, but the future too.”
“We are really proud of this restoration and excited to be a part of the revitalization of this corner of Maple Street,” said Jay Minkarah, President and CEO of DevelopSpringfield. “This is the first phase of the redevelopment of this site. Next steps include the rehabilitation of the former Female Seminary at 77 Maple Street. The completed project, which also includes the Carriage House at 69 Maple Street, will create the Lower Maple Business Park—a unique office park environment providing really special commercial office space within an easy walk to downtown.”
DevelopSpringfield purchased the Merrick Phelps House in April of 2013 with the goal to eliminate blight in the neighborhood and stimulate new investment in the area while saving an important historic property and ensuring its rehabilitation into an economically viable use. The home was originally built for Solymon Merrick, inventor of the monkey wrench, and has been completely renovated with its historic features preserved.
