Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | October 28, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 41 35th Anniversary WBJ Over our history, we have invested $58 million in grants to more than 230 organizations to address community-defined needs. Our unique grantmaking approach fosters long-term sustainability and systems changes to improve the health of those who live or work in the Central Massachusetts region. We thank the many community members, nonprofit organizations, public officials, staff members, and volunteers who have contributed to our success over the past 25 years. If you would like to contribute to our investments in the region in the next 25 years and beyond, please visit thfcm.org/fund or scan the QR code. The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is proudly celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2024. 60,000 square feet of retail space remains at the Mercantile Center, including the former Foothills eater space, which Norton said is his pet project. Two restau- rant leases – for e Mercantile restaurant and Ruth's Chris Steak House – were final- ized before COVID hit, Norton said. "We allowed the tenants to basically sit on their leases, and commence buildout and occupy once they saw light at the end of the tunnel," he said. Going forward, Norton said he wants to bring in some retail or restaurant tenants and find the right fit for the Foothills eater space. He's thinking the theater, which has less than 400 seats, would be a good comedy club or music venue, or potentially a brew hall. e plaza attracted people downtown throughout the summer, and Norton said he hopes to do some sort of winter festival in the coming months. It's all in service of making downtown a destination in Worcester. "You get a couple of retailers, and it's a bit of a herd mentality. More will follow," he said. "at's why Shrewsbury Street has been so successful, and hopefully, we'll also become a destination." Timeline of Worcester Center 1971: Worcester Center Galleria opens in downtown Worcester 1994: Mall reopens as Worcester Common Fashion Outlets 2006: Mall closes for good 2010: Hanover Group buys 11 acres; work begins on CitySquare 2012: Front Street reopens after 45 years, reuniting Washington Square with downtown 2013: Unum building first to open in CitySquare 2015: Chip Norton purchases the Mercantile Center 2018: AC Hotel by Marriott opens at 125 Front St. Source: City of Worcester, Worcester Business Journal archives WBJ FILE PHOTO

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