The CDC has collaborated with the Worcester Artist Group [a 501c(3) non-profit], the Studios, FireWorks, the Well, and other small businesses located within the Sprinkler Factory Building, located at 38 Harlow Street, to develop the site as an economic engine for the artists and artisans located here. Currently there are approximately forty different entrepreneurial ventures working independently on-site. The common goal has been to create a centralized mechanism among these enterprises that will enable each individual entity to market and sell its products more effectively.
The Worcester Artist Group serves part of that function today. The gallery/performance space is the focal point for ongoing activities and programs within the building. The monthly exhibitions highlight and offer for sale the work of a broad range of artists and artisans, many of whom are oftentimes located on-site. The performances and other programs attract audiences with an extensive range in age, ethnicity and economic backgrounds. All of this not only benefits the individual artists on display or performing, it also generates a great deal of traffic throughout the building for the other tenants. Funding from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the Worcester Cultural Commission, the Stoddard Charitable Trust and the United Congregational Church were awarded to realize these goals.
With this in mind the group set forward to promote the activities of the site and to attract new tenants to locate in it. A major exhibition and open studio event was planned. The goal was to create an exhibition that would display the array of work created by artists and artisans in the building. As part of the opening weekend of the event there would be a day of open studios throughout the building.
In order for this to occur it would be necessary to reopen a corridor that connects two separate sections of the building. This would enable the free flow of traffic to all parts of the structure and create the ability for an indoor center. This goal was realized recently with volunteer efforts.
This opening event occurred on the weekend of February 12, 2005, with the exhibition running through the month. The weekend was a huge success. The event attracted hundreds of people both on Saturday and Sunday. There was extensive media coverage and significant public exposure. There was an immediate response among some who decided to move their ventures into the building. The sales that occurred for a large portion of the tenants reflected the public interest and economic viability of what was underway.
The plan for the coming year is to attract new tenants to fill the remaining vacant spaces. The setting is ideal for small enterprises to collaborate within a central location to enhance the overall success of each individual entity. Recruitment of a restaurant and a caf is a major priority. Also about to open is the Festival Theatre Company with a theater that seats approximately sixty for stage performances.
The CDC, Genesis Club, and the Worcester Artist Group are attempting to establish a collaborative on-site shop that would offer for sale the products created by artists in the building and others who are clients of Genesis Club. The shop would create jobs for some and sales for many. The potential for additional business and job development that will result from this endeavor is great.
Joint marketing and advertising campaigns will continue to target the area countywide. Creative partnerships are being explored regularly in an attempt to utilize the remaining vacant space for ventures that will maximize public attraction to the site. The success already seen and the partnerships in place fortify the base for the continued economic growth of this property well into the future.
In conjunction with this initiative the CDC is looking to promote and interconnect the activities occurring in the strip of businesses along Lincoln St., the center of which is at the top of Harlow Street. To this end the CDC is looking at the potential purchase of two mixed-use properties currently for sale. In combination, the two abutting properties house five businesses, seven apartments and a parking lot. The combined sale prices total $1 million. A redevelopment of these sites would further stabilize the street and establish a solid anchor for the ownership and management of this commercial and housing complex.
The implementation of a facade improvement program to this area would improve greatly the appearance and viability of these businesses. The CDC would be the catalyst and liaison for this initiative that would ultimately include many partners. The CDC will seek sources of matching funding to add to those to be made available by the City. The advantage of this commercial corridor for this type of program is that the bulk of it exists within a very defined and limited stretch of Lincoln St. This allows for a very dramatic improvement to the visual impact and economic viability of the many businesses located here.
In all of the CDC’s business development activities mentioned, it plans to engage the resources and programs of the Center for Women & Enterprise. Individual and group consulting and training will be employed as a tool for each business owner or group to use. Loan packaging necessary for the faade program and general business improvements will be part of the services offered.