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Celebrating 50 Years of Growth, Jobs and Development 21 The Former Worcester Vocational High School • HISTORY In 1908, Worcester Vocational High School (Voke) opened its doors and for nearly 100 years educated students as it expanded its physical footprint. In 2006, an aging and outdated facility prompted construction of a new, modern educational institution, leaving behind a vacant and deteriorating building. • CHALLENGE Although the site of the former school was identified as an excellent location for a mixed-use property, leakage from two underground oil storage tanks beneath three of the buildings and asbestos in the walls presented an environmental hazard that needed to be addressed before the property could be deemed habitable. • SOLUTION The WBDC received $400,000 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MassDevelopment for clean-up, which allowed the $1.2 million project to move forward. In October 2010, demolition began; a year later the MassDEP closed out the project. The WBDC sold the property to WinnDevelopment in February 2013 and construction began in April 2013. • RESULTS In June 2014, a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiled a completely renovated building containing 84 unique units with one, two or three bedrooms. The 116,306 square-foot mixed-income, multifamily rental housing property retains some of its historic charm, including brick walls, exposed pipes, high ceilings and huge windows. The former public property now contributes $104,968 in taxes to the City of Worcester. Local and state officials celebrate the opening of Worcester Voke Lofts, a major renovation project that will provide modern affordable housing to low and middle income families. Desktops to Countertops Built: 1908 Vacant: 2006 Reopened: 2014 From «