Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/616041
12 Worcester Business Development Corporation • 1965 - 2015 Revitalization Initially, the WBDC focused efforts on finding new homes for businesses displaced by urban renewal. To meet that goal, they launched several proj- ects in the 1960s beginning with the creation of Higgins Industrial Park. roughout the next two decades, the WBDC continued to provide outlets for manufacturing and other businesses with the construction of Goldstar Dis- tributor Park, Holden Industrial Park, Goddard II Industrial Park and Air- port Industrial Park. With several successful industri- al projects under its belt, the WBDC shifted its focus in the mid-1980s to biotechnology and life sciences, a growing industry that would play a critical role in medical research. During the next decade, the organization was instrumental in developing Massachu- setts Biotechnology Research Park, a 75-acre parcel of land adjacent to the UMass Medical Center on which five biotech centers, a luxury hotel and con- ference center and several medical and diagnostic centers were constructed. At the turn of the century, the WBDC cast an eye toward revitalizing the downtown area, starting with the remediation of a 55-acre brownfield in a prime location just off Route 290. In a collaborative effort with WPI, the organization oversaw the creation of Gateway Park, a mixed-use property that houses biomedical companies, lab- oratory space, research facilities, incu- The Convention Center at the Worcester Centrum opened. Construction began on the South Sutton Commerce Park, a 127- acre industrial space. A renovated Union Station opened. Shrewsbury acquired Allen Farm, a 66-acre tract of land that became CenTech Park North, adding 611,000 square feet of development potential to the existing park. September 2007 In partnership with WPI, the WBDC opened their $42 million Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center and $11 million parking facility at Gateway Park, an 11-acre, mixed-use development project. March 2008 After a $31 million restoration of the Grand Palace Theatre, the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts reopened; the building had been closed since 1998. 1997 * 2000 * 2007 1999 2002 2008 WBDC Timeline Partnership between the WBDC and WPI resulted in the creation of a vibrant life sciences center.