WORCESTER—After 18 years as the restaurant anchoring Worcester’s Union Station and serving events in its soaring Grand Hall, Maxwell Luciano’s lease is expiring this summer—and the city is beginning the search for what comes next.
The Worcester Redevelopment Authority announced Thursday that it plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a new tenant to operate the Grand Hall’s event business and the adjoining restaurant space. The current lease is set to expire June 30 of this year.
The authority expects to release and advertise the RFP in March. Ahead of that, it is holding a public listening session at 5 p.m. Feb. 25 on the second floor of Union Station, in the Cannabis Control Commission conference room, to gather feedback on how the space should be used.
“This is an important opportunity for the WRA to maximize the use of the space and showcase this incredible community asset,” Michael Angelini, chair of the authority, said in a statement. “We hope that the listening session on Feb. 25 will generate excitement and fresh perspectives.”
Originally built in 1911 and restored between 1998 and 2000, Union Station serves as an intermodal transit hub and event venue. The Grand Hall has hosted weddings, banquets and other gatherings, with food service provided by the adjoining restaurant.
“We greatly appreciate Maxwell Luciano’s tenancy and stewardship over the last 18 years,” said Peter Dunn, the authority’s chief executive officer. “At the same time, with the existing lease expiring this year, it’s incumbent on the WRA to solicit proposals and select an operator that will be the best fit for Union Station moving forward.”
Last week, Maxwell Luciano’s addressed the pending lease expiration in a statement posted on social media, saying the restaurant is “not closing.”
“While our current lease is set to expire in June, we fully intend to renew it,” the restaurant said in the statement. “We will be participating in the Worcester Redevelopment Authority’s RFP process and maintaining our long-standing presence in Union Station’s Grand Hall.”
The statement added: “Any implication that we are preparing to close or vacate the space is incorrect. Our dedication to serving the Worcester community remains steadfast.”
