Springfield, MA – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard Neal, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll joined today with First Resource Development Company, and NEI General Contracting, along with city, state, and federal officials for a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Mason Square Apartments at Indian Motorcycle & Knox Residences at Knox Automobile Company in Springfield.
This project has completely transformed the long-vacant factory buildings and the firehouse in the heart of the Mason Square neighborhood. The buildings have been entirely redeveloped and now have been transformed into 295 new units of much-needed housing.
First Resources previously redeveloped and completed the old Indian Motorcycle Building or Mason Square Apartments and now has completed the Knox Residences at the old Knox auto factory building. The entire project, which has been ongoing since 2013, included renovations and upgrades to 139 existing units in the first Mason Square Indian Motorcycle building, and 60 units in the second Mason Square Indian Motorcycle building. The historic Knox Building on Wilbraham Road has been entirely gutted and rebuilt with 96 total housing units.
Today’s grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony represents the First Resource and Gordon Pulsifer’s long-term commitment to revitalizing the Mason Square neighborhood. They were able to preserve the character and history nature of these buildings while transforming them into a vibrant neighborhood asset.
The cost for the redevelopment of the former Knox building is approximately $51.8 million and is being financed using state and federal housing tax credits, state and federal historic credits and permanent debt with Mass Housing Partnership. Total investment in the new housing units is approximately $84 million. The City of Springfield contributed $1.35 million in HOME funds.
Mayor Sarno states, “My administration is proud of the continued investment and development of our neighborhoods – from housing to park projects and new schools to enhancements in infrastructure, there has been a tremendous amount of economic development in our city. This redevelopment of the historic Knox Building is tremendous. Gordon Pulsifer and his team at First Resources do such a tremendous job working in our neighborhoods and being considerate of our residents and business community, as evident by their property across the street at the old Indian Motorcycle building. In total, First Resources has added nearly 300 housing units just between these two properties. This supports my administration’s goal of continuing to invest and develop/redevelop more housing and workforce housing for our residents. I commend and thank Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, and Congressman Neal – both Congressman Neal and Lt. Governor Driscoll were once mayors, and always understand the heart of a mayor – who all continue to work diligently to support our housing and development goals and needs.”
