WORCESTER—The former Rotmans Furniture property, a Worcester landmark rich in history, is set for a new chapter as the College of the Holy Cross and Madison Properties collaborate to redevelop the site at 725 Southbridge St.
The property, which spans more than 14 acres and includes approximately 300,000 square feet of building space, will undergo a comprehensive planning process to determine its future.
While the specific use has not been finalized, Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau noted the site’s importance to the college and surrounding community. “We are excited about the possibilities for this project to contribute to the vibrancy and character of our neighborhood and to provide new opportunities to serve our campus community,” Rougeau said in an announcement.
The property, situated near the entrance to the Holy Cross campus, has long played a significant role in Worcester’s industrial and commercial history. Originally the site of Whittall Mills, a powerhouse in the carpet manufacturing industry from the late 19th century into the early 20th century, the site later became home to Rotmans Furniture in 1964. Under the Rotman family’s ownership, the store grew into a nationally recognized furniture retailer before closing in 2023 after nearly 60 years of operation.
“This parcel is a unique property with a rich history and tremendous potential,” said Denis Dowdle, president of Madison Properties, in the announcement. “This acquisition is consistent with Madison’s history of acquiring and re-imagining under-utilized industrial property in Worcester.”
The redevelopment will be guided by a master plan, which Holy Cross and Madison Properties aim to develop in collaboration with an architect and the City of Worcester. Discussions have already begun with city officials, and the project will explore possibilities for adaptive reuse of the existing structures.
As Rougeau emphasized, the redevelopment aligns with Holy Cross’ mission as a Jesuit, Catholic liberal arts institution. Madison Properties’ Dowdle added that the collaboration aims to ensure the property’s long-term viability while engaging with stakeholders throughout the process.
The Whittall Mills complex, with its storied history as an industrial hub, is poised for a modern reimagining that could once again make it a centerpiece of Worcester’s Southbridge Street corridor.
Charlene Arsenault can be reached at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
