WORCESTER—The Courthouse Lofts, a historic landmark turned mixed-income housing development, is getting a digital boost. The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) has awarded the property funding through its Residential Retrofit Program, part of a broader statewide initiative to expand internet access in affordable housing.
Trinity Management, which oversees the Courthouse Lofts, successfully applied for the grant to improve broadband infrastructure at the site, ensuring residents have access to reliable and affordable internet.
“This funding is a crucial investment in Worcester’s future,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty in a statement. “Ensuring that residents have access to high-quality broadband services will help bridge the digital divide and create greater opportunities for all.”
Located in the heart of downtown, Courthouse Lofts blends 19th-century grandeur with mid-century modernism, having transformed the former Worcester County Courthouse into an inclusive, modern residential community. The building includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, catering to a diverse range of incomes.
“Reliable internet access is essential for work, education, and healthcare,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll in the release. “The Residential Retrofit Program is an investment in communities across the state and supports efforts to expand digital access.”
Funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act, the Residential Retrofit Program is channeling more than $10 million into infrastructure improvements for nearly 8,000 housing units across 26 Massachusetts communities. The upgrades include fiberoptic cabling directly to individual units.
“Expanding broadband access at Courthouse Lofts underscores our commitment to equitable digital infrastructure,” said City Councilor Candy F. Mero-Carlson. “Providing reliable internet service to our residents enhances their ability to work, learn, and thrive.”
City Manager Eric D. Batista called the project a “significant step toward fostering a more connected and inclusive community.”
Worcester has made broadband access a key priority, particularly in communities where connectivity has lagged behind. Local officials see this investment as part of a larger strategy to ensure that digital access keeps pace with the city’s growth.
“This investment in broadband infrastructure ensures that residents of Courthouse Lofts have the digital access needed to support their daily lives,” said Brad Iappini, Director of Information Technology at Trinity Management.
MBI, working in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, is administering the grant program.
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