Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | November 16, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 11 Menkiti originally planned a 233- unit project, but it has since been re- vised. Among the most recent changes is a shi toward more one-bedroom apartments rather than studio units, based on an analysis of comparable buildings. e newest plan calls for 13% studios, 65% one-bedrooms, and 22% two-bedrooms. e latest plans eliminated be- low-grade parking. Instead, residents can rent a spot in a parking lot at the corner of High and Chatham streets, with prices expected to range from $75 to $200. e development's specifics are complicated by a 36-foot elevation difference between the two building sites, Rengel said. While the two buildings will not be physically con- nected, people will be able to move easily between them across Chase Court. An outdoor courtyard on the Main Street side will offer a recre- ational space at the Chase Court level, which will be at the second floor of the Main Street building and the first floor of the High Street building. While considering the Denholm building's history in designing the project's exterior, Rengel said Menkiti plans to incorporate some of that history inside as well. "We plan to salvage elements of the original building and give them a new home in the lobbies and shared spaces, including the decorative glass balus- trade panels from the historic escala- tors and the exterior channel letter sig- nage, displayed alongside photographs that tell the story of the site." e historic Denholm building was constructed in 1882 by Jonas Clark, who founded Clark University five years later. Over time, Sawyer said, the Den- holm & McKay department store took over more of the six-story building, eventually becoming Worcester's second-largest employer and the top downtown shopping destination. e building's electric plant allowed the store to install the city's first escala- tors and provided power for a whole section of Main Street. Sawyer said Denholm & McCay folded in 1973 due to misman- agement. Aer that, the building sat empty for a decade until it was redeveloped into an office building. In 2022, the Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) purchased it for $3 million. It chose Menkiti to construct the new project on the property. Currently, Rengel said, Menkiti is reviewing financing plans, holding "so conversations" with lenders and financing organizations. Meanwhile, the WRA used a $500,000 grant awarded last year by MassDevelopment to survey the property and determine what will be needed to address any environmental issues at the site. omas Matthews, media and public relations administrator for the city manager's office, said the agency expects to seek bids for abatement and demolition this winter. Part of the total costs of that process will be covered by a $3 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant an- nounced in October. "is is a significant project that will enhance downtown's livability and foot traffic," Matthews said. "Mixed- use properties like this one, which will have affordable and market-rate hous- ing, are exactly the kind of projects we need to be doing to help alleviate the burden we're currently feeling in this housing crisis." Before the demolition moves forward, Sawyer said, the city has promised him a chance to flag any remaining important items and docu- ment elements that can't be salvaged. e historian already has an exten- sive collection of items from the old department store. Aer demolition, the project will move through financing, design ap- proval and entitlements on the way to groundbreaking, Rengel said. Menkiti's plans for the project are scheduled to go before the Planning Board for approval on Dec. 9. W Conceptual design and rendering. RENDERING | COURTESY ZDS INC. "We plan to salvage elements of the original building and give them a new home in the lobbies and shared spaces... displayed alongside photographs that tell the story of the site." Mark Rengel, The Menkiti Group

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