Winter Displays Wow Downtown |
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We’re getting into the spirit Downtown with lights and window displays that will make your heart grow three sizes this holiday season. Commissioned by the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), Creative Hub Worcester’s winter-themed displays have transformed a couple of Worcester’s Denholm Building windows. The spectacle comes to life in all its splendor after dark with imagery of wind and a surreal arctic landscape that incorporates recycled materials and LED snowflakes created for the BID in 2020 by Technocopia member Carlos Torres. The Hanover Theatre also is turning Downtown into a winter wonderland with trimmed trees and exquisite gift wrapping in an elegant window display for all to cherish. Even the neighborhood’s brand new dog supply boutique, Crate & Howl, is feeling festive at 16 Portland Street. And, of course, you can’t miss the breathtaking lighting displays designed by Tower Hill Botanic Garden on the Common, co-sponsored by the BID and the City of Worcester. |
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Main Street’s Reimagining Becomes Reality |
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Main Street’s reimagining is finally a reality, boasting bike lanes, widened sidewalks, and stunning streetscapes. Best of all is the custom public art installations, many of which are as functional as they are beautiful. Take a load off on the “Wrench Bench” outside Mechanics Hall, designed by Bartek Konieczny to recognize the invention of the “monkey wrench” in Worcester. Or, if you’re looking for love, plop down on the “Esther Howland Bench” in front of City Hall, designed by Gianna Steward in honor of Esther Howland, the mother of the commercial valentine who first sold her creations at her father’s stationery store in Worcester. Speak your mind at “The Speaker’s Stand,” located at 311 Main Street and created by Ann Hirsch and Jeremy Angier of A+J Art+Design, who were inspired by 19th-century Worcester abolitionist and suffragist Abby Kelley Foster, who represented the voices of women committed to social justice and equality for all women. Pause to read the informational kiosks at each individual work of art, including “Flat Curves” at 526 Main Street created by Jennifer Rubin Gray, which represents the corset developed by the Royal Worcester Corset Company. Next up is an outdoor stage at Carroll Plaza outside The Hanover Theatre.
Watch this Spectrum News video clip about the art installation project.
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Carroll Plaza’s “Calliope” is Underway |
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Work also has begun on Francis R. Carroll Plaza outside The Hanover Theatre at 2 Southbridge Street. The $3.1-million project aims to incorporate a public art installation, titled “Calliope,” by Ross Miller, composed of stainless steel and LED lights. Combined with a unique water feature, “Calliope” will pay homage to the in-house organ used in entertainment venues and churches in the early 20th-century. The plaza’s beautification also will feature plantings, festoon lights, a seating area, and a raised stage for outdoor performances. The Hanover Theatre’s staff is already brainstorming entertainment ideas for the new space, set for completion in the fall of 2022. |
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Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District Zeroes in on Priority Projects |
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The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District and the City of Worcester recently completed a comprehensive COVID recovery plan for Downtown Worcester. This six-month planning effort was made possible by a state-supported planning grant guided by input from businesses and property owners and finalized with help from the public. The final plan consists of 19 different projects. Priority projects in the short-term, as well as those to be implemented in the next several years, include: enhancing lighting, installing pedestrian wayfinding measures, developing a targeted tenant recruitment strategy, activating underused spaces, and addressing ongoing community issues to improve the Downtown visitor experience. Thanks to over 100 community members who completed our survey to prioritize which of these projects are most important for Downtown’s continued success. Our randomly selected raffle winner was Juliet Feibel, Executive Director of ArtsWorcester, who won a $50 gift card to a local restaurant of her choice.
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One Mercantile Welcomes ComputerVault’s Corporate HQ |
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Downtown Worcester is about to become the new home of renowned software company ComputerVault. ComputerVault is an industry leader in delivering virtual desktops, servers, HCI, and IoT with built-in cybersecurity. The company signed an eight-year lease agreement at One Mercantile Center that begins January 2022. “ComputerVault management looked at multiple cities for our corporate headquarters, and Worcester was the clear choice,” said Marc Zarrella, VP, Head of Revenue and Partnerships at ComputerVault. Members of the Business Improvement District recently met with Zarrella, who stressed how important it is for his team of young employees to work out of a headquarters surrounded by restaurants, amenities, and desirable housing options. ComputerVault feels that their new location in Downtown Worcester will help them attract top talent in years to come. |
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The BID Ambassador’s “Clean Team” deployed over 440 hours Downtown to make the neighborhood shine in November. They disposed of over 4,500 cigarette butts littering the sidewalks and removed nearly 4,500 pounds of trash in the BID. Special projects like scrubbing sidewalks, sweeping streets, and ridding business entryways and sidewalks of leaves kept the Ambassadors busy throughout the month. Out on the street Monday through Friday during the winter, our Ambassadors are a very visible and friendly presence Downtown with the flexibility to assist with snow removal when needed. Last month, they provided directions to more than 100 visitors and completed 450 business checks to ensure Downtown’s needs were met. |
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Save the Date:
January Community Meeting
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Join us virtually on Friday, January 14, from 9-10 a.m. for our January community meeting. Our monthly meetings are free and open to all. Closed captioning is available upon request at least 24 hours before the meeting. |
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The focus of our Instagram page is to highlight the businesses and people of Downtown Worcester. Follow our page for our shop local/eat local series, community event announcements, did you know facts, and Downtown history.
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