A former boot factory in Worcester’s Canal District is receiving nearly $930,000 in state funding to help bring the historic building up to code and improve accessibility, part of a nearly $54 million investment in housing and economic development projects across Central Massachusetts.
The Healey administration announced recently that Worcester is getting $929,376 through the state’s Underutilized Properties Program for improvements to the former Heywood Boot Company building at the corner of Winter and Harding streets.
The funding is intended to address building code requirements and accessibility issues, potentially removing obstacles to the property’s continued use or redevelopment in one of the city’s most active commercial and residential neighborhoods.
The Worcester award is among 73 grants totaling $53.9 million for projects in 43 Central Massachusetts communities through the state’s Community One Stop for Growth initiative.
The program combines multiple state grant opportunities into a single application and review process, providing funding for projects ranging from housing construction and infrastructure improvements to the rehabilitation of vacant or underused properties.
In Worcester, the investment adds to a series of state-supported redevelopment efforts aimed at bringing older buildings back into productive use while accommodating continued growth.
Mayor Joseph Petty said the program has provided Worcester with $24 million for 38 projects since 2022.
“The Community One Stop for Growth has been a game-changer for Worcester, delivering $24 million across 38 vital projects since 2022,” Petty said in a statement included in the state’s announcement.
He credited partnerships involving the city, Worcester Housing Authority, Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, Main South Community Development Corporation and other local housing organizations for advancing projects supported by the funding.
The latest Worcester award comes as communities throughout Central Massachusetts confront the challenge of encouraging new development while upgrading aging roads, utilities and buildings.
Several of the region’s largest grants are directed toward infrastructure improvements necessary to support housing.
In Oxford, the state awarded $5 million through its HousingWorks program for reconstruction of roads, sidewalks and underground infrastructure associated with the redevelopment of New Orchard Hill Estates. The project includes replacing 215 affordable homes.
Fitchburg received another $5 million through the MBTA Community Catalyst Fund to improve streets and underground infrastructure in Moran Square, address traffic congestion and flooding concerns, and support development in the surrounding area.
Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia said in the announcement that the city is also receiving $2.5 million for Eleanor’s Lofts and $1 million for Main Street Lofts at 280 Main St., bringing the three investments to $8.5 million.
“These awards are all part of one strategy: building the infrastructure that allows Fitchburg to continue producing more housing,” Squailia said.
Other regional awards include $438,500 to Ashby for paving Taylor and Wares roads and $50,000 in tax credits to encourage businesses to occupy vacant downtown storefronts in Gardner.
The state also identified Auburn, Blackstone and Rutland among 13 Massachusetts communities receiving Community One Stop funding for the first time.
Additional grants will support projects in Shrewsbury, Westborough, Southbridge, Spencer and other communities.
Shrewsbury’s award will help fund road safety improvements at Stoney Hill Road, while Westborough will receive support for an economic development plan in the Interstate 495/Route 9 gateway area and sewer infrastructure improvements, according to statements from state lawmakers.
Statewide, the administration awarded $330 million to 402 projects in 207 communities, the largest funding round in the Community One Stop program’s history.
The grants are distributed through 14 programs administered by the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and MassDevelopment.
Gov. Maura Healey said the investments are intended to address infrastructure and development needs that can prevent communities from moving forward with housing and commercial projects.
“We’re investing in communities across Massachusetts to create the housing, jobs and economic growth our state needs,” Healey said in the announcement. “These awards will turn underused properties into new homes and businesses, strengthen downtowns, create good jobs and unlock billions of dollars in private investment.”
Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias stressed the importance of funding infrastructure before construction can begin.
“This is the roads, water, and site work that has to happen before a single home can be built,” Matias said in the announcement.
The grants are part of a state effort to increase housing production and encourage economic development, particularly in communities where aging infrastructure or the expense of rehabilitating existing buildings can complicate redevelopment.
