This project is designed to serve single residents or couples through the construction of 12 one bedroom apartments on floors two to four at affordable rates in addition to providing 4 commercial/studio/retail spaces on the street level. There is a deficit of both in this target area.

1-7 Piedmont Street will also serve several clients of the MA Department of Metal Health who are capable of independent living. A unique feature of this building will be its compliance with the proposed City of Worcester "Visit-ability" standards which will allow handicapped residents and guests full access to all units and commercial spaces without handicapped barriers.

The City of Worcester, Mass Housing Partnership Fund Board, the Division of Housing and Community Development, and The Department of Metal Health Facilities Consolidation Fund (administered by CEDAC) have all committed to this project. Bank North has committed to provide construction financing for the project.

9 May Street, Worcester, MA   01610 (View Map)

9 May Street in Worcester, MA is listed on the MACRIS and the National Register. Its period of significance is 1870-1875 and 1880-1899 within the categories of Architectural/Engineering, Event, Industry, Science/Invention and Social/Humanitarian.

The building is a 60,000 square foot two story second Empire style brick structure with a walk-out basement and a fourth story beneath the slate covered mansard roof. The building plan is irregular with several expansions added during the 1870’s and 1880’s. The original building was constructed in approximately 1870. Between 1890 and WW I it was the largest Organ Reed factory in the world operated by Hammond with over 200 employees. After the organ industry demand declined the building was the home of Castle Furniture until the 1990's and thereafter it was used as a storage facility. It had been abandoned since 2001.

Worcester Common Ground acquired the building at the end of March 2006 and has been approved by all funders, the Historic commission, the Planning Board, and the ZBA for use as 46 units of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom affordable residential rental apartments and a common community space in the May Street portion of the first floor utilizing the historic front entrance.

We have put together a strong development team that includes a financial consultant, an architect, and an attorney who have experience in the reuse of mill and factory buildings. This team is led by our development director whose reputation for quality construction and attention to detail is reflected in our recent restoration of the historic brick row homes at 130,132 and 134 Austin Street.

The financial structuring of this 46 unit 16 million dollar project includes MA and Federal Historic Preservation tax credits, Low income housing tax credits, City of Worcester HOME funds, Affordable Housing Trust funds and conventional financing. Construction Financing is provided by Wainwright Bank.

Construction started in October '07 and is expected to be completed in October '08 with rentals available immediately thereafter. Full Occupancy is expected to be achieved by December '08.