State Representatives Bud Williams, Carlos Gonzalez and Jacob Olivier, city Councilors Michael Fenton and Melvin Edwards, Chief of Staff Tom Ashe, SRA Director Amanda Pham, SPA Director Bokul Bhuiya, Springfield BID Director Chris Russell, MGM Springfield President and COO Chris Kelley, Monarch Enterprises President Paul Picknelly, WinnDevelopment Michael O’Brien, EDC President and CEO Rick Sullivan, Springfield Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa and Jennifer Metsch from state Senator Eric Lesser’s Office and Armando Olivares from state Senator Adam Gomez’s Office were also in attendance.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “This vital and key economic development project, located in the heart of our downtown district, has been a priority of my administration as part of my overall redevelopment vision for our downtown. Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan and I want to thank Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Secretary Michael Heffernan for their unyielding belief, support and investment in our city of Springfield and our Commonwealth. I especially want to thank David Gibbons, Executive Director of the MCCA, and his dedicated team for their efforts in making this dynamic project a reality. This project will greatly enhance the activities and events on our Bruce Landon Way and at the MassMutual Center – home to our beloved AHL Springfield Thunderbirds, fresh off their first Calder Cup playoff run.”
“Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this old and outdated garage will be taken down and a new transformational five-story garage, which will be more conducive to the needs of the neighborhood and complement our surround downtown amenities and business establishments with over 800 parking spaces, will take its place. The new facility will enhance foot traffic aspects by offering street level improvements and amenities that will play a key component for the numerous and diverse events held at our MassMutual Center ever year.” Mayor Sarno added.