Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | Novermber 27, 2017 | Worcester Business Journal 9 Webster • Dudley • Oxford • Auburn • Worcester • Shrewsbury ANNOUNCING THE NEWEST MEMBER OF OUR BUSINESS BANKING TEAM. MEET CHRIS WATSON, SVP, SENIOR LENDING OFFICER. WebFive for Business is expanding to help you build your business with greater ease and assurance. We're delighted to welcome Chris Watson to our leadership team as Russ Dye prepares for retirement in March 2018. As a commercial lender with over 30 years of experience in the Worcester area, few people have demonstrated more dedication to our local business community than Chris. He has spent his entire career here, building lasting relationships, and helping his business clients succeed. We can't think of a better person to lead our growing business team and to help you achieve your own growth and success. Learn more about Chris at web5.com/chris. NMLS #523049 KHJ24010_WEB-424 Chris Watson Intro Ad_MECH.indd 1 11/20/17 6:49 PM An institute of belonging The word "Emengini" is an Igbo word from the Onitsha area of Nigeria. "It essentially says something like this, 'You my colleagues, my associates, my fellow countrymen, what have I done wrong that you exclude me from the collective discourse, the undertak- ing, the ceremonies? What exactly is the point of your divisions?'" he said. He views a healthy society as one in which everybody belongs, and like- wise, is viewed as belonging. This truth will be the foundation for the Emengini Institute for Comparative Studies. Menkiti is well aware of Worcester's reputation for maintaining relatively high property taxes, but he is also con- fident that these problems will be addressed as the city gathers momen- tum towards its ambitious goals. The Menkiti family name has devel- oped a national reputation for success of late. Menkiti's son, Bo Menkiti, is the CEO of both the Menkiti Group and Keller Williams Capital Properties, two Washington D.C. companies noted for strengthening neighborhoods. Contrary to his son, Dr. Menkiti's interest in real estate is driven entirely by his passion for Emengini. "If one is going to have conferences, seminars, and poetry readings, one needs a physical space to do these things, and be, to the extent possible, self-sufficient in doing them," he said. Left to his own devices, Menkiti admits he might dream of his academic and literary programs, while leaving logistical elements unattended. "My son Bo … has been trying to help me out here in Worcester regard- ing the practical issues," he said. "Time will tell what he decides to do regard- ing the possibility of his own projects entering the city. I would encourage him, but it is his decision to make." The Menkitis' reputation for cultural innovation and urban business savvy will no doubt contribute to the belief Worcester's downtown must once again become a destination rather than a mere waypoint. As the city's cultural capital mounts, so too will its overall prosperity. The 405 Main St. building in Worcester became vacant after Shack's Clothes closed in September. 526 Main St. – State agency MassDevelopment bought this 27,000-square-foot building for $800,000 in August and is soliciting developers to remake the property. 2 Chatham St. – A surface parking lot immediately across Chatham Street from 526 Main St. is eyed by the city as a potential site for a mixed-use building with first-floor retail and upper-floor commercial or office space. 484 Main St. – The Denholm Building, which is largely vacant, is slated for commer- cial, retail and restaurant use. 517 & 521 Main St. – The City of Worcester is making steps toward using eminent domain to buy these two crumbling properties, currently the home of MetroPCS story and the Great Wall restaurant. 311 Main St. – Law firm Bowditch & Dewey sold their office building to Worcester Railers Owner Cliff Rucker in December. He is remaking the inside and outside of the building while Bowditch remains as a tenant. Downtown developments Ifeanyi Menkiti's efforts to turn the former Shack's Clothes into the Emengini Institute for Comparative Studies is one of several properties near Worcester's Main Street under development plans. Source: WBJ reports W

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