31 Elm Street in Downtown Springfield Mass

Proposed redevelopment of Springfield Court Square office building draws strong tenant interest. (Springfield Republican, 3/10/2012)

Excerpt:    A key to the current project’s success will be applications for state historic preservation tax credits for the building constructed in 1892, Panteleakis said. 

Under OPAL’s proposal, the first floor would be developed for retail use, and the next four floors would be for office/institutional space. 

The top floor is slated for market rate housing, but that is being re-evaluated due to the strong interest for office space, Panteleakis said. The interest thus far has been mostly from tenants in professional services such as law firms, Panteleakis said. The retail interest has included conversations with representatives of a pub and restaurant, dry cleaners, a health club, flower shop and a bank, he said.

Saving A Local Landmark

Warren Times Observer, 3/3/2012.

Excerpt:  Built in 1838 by Dr. William Irvine as a wedding gift for his wife, the church originally cost $900 to build, or just over $18,000 in today's money, and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It's 34-foot by 26-foot interior boasts a congregation of more than 80 members and regularly seats 60 or more worshipers for services. 

Total costs for the upcoming project will be approximately $120,000 and the church congregation is utilizing a number of funding methods to obtain the sum.