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Celebrating 50 Years of Growth, Jobs and Development 27 20 Franklin Street • HISTORY Since the early 20th century, 20 Franklin Street had served as home to the Telegram & Gazette, utilizing the entire 135,000 square foot space for all aspects of daily operation, from printing and typesetting to paper distribution. In 2008, the newspaper began downsizing, leaving several areas within the building vacant or underutilized. • CHALLENGE Although a major undertaking, the redevelopment of 20 Franklin Street is a critical component of the City's Master Plan. Its location in the heart of Worcester's Central Business District is key to reactivating the areas around City Hall, the Worcester Common and the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. • SOLUTION With critical support from Congressman James McGovern and other local agencies, the WBDC secured a $1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), which helped transform the historic structure into a modern, high-tech facility. With space for offices, classrooms, laboratories, retailers and incubators, it will attract tenants and generate renewed interest in the downtown area. • RESULTS In 2014, Quinsigamond Community College's Healthcare and Workforce Development Center moved operations into 75,000 square feet; the Worcester Idea Lab, designed to foster entrepreneurship, occupies another 20,000 square feet. A digital solutions company, ten24, is the first small business in the refurbished building with more to come. Rear view of 20 Franklin Street, former home of the Telegram & Gazette, now occupied by Quinsigamond Community College's Healthcare and Workforce Development Center and the Worcester Idea Lab. Making headlines Built: 1886; 1910 - Telegram & Gazette occupied the building Vacant: 2011 to 2015 Reopened: 2015 «