Springfield Seeking 2 Riverfront Development Proposals

[HartfordTycoon 4]

Springfield has a ton of potential if you ask me. Now with the probability increasing that it will serve as a High Speed Rail hub, developers need to take a second look at it. I think with better connections to Boston established, it's proximately to Greater Hartford, and high concentration of educational institution in Western Mass, Springfield may finally be on the verge of real substantial and sustainable improvement.

Springfield Republican

SPRINGFIELD - With more than 100,000 cars traveling by the city daily, Springfield officials hope to catch the eye of potential developers for two riverfront properties along West Columbus Avenue.

The Springfield Redevelopment Authority, in coordination with the city, released two formal solicitations last week, seeking new uses for the former site of the York Street jail and the Visitors Information Center building. The visitors' center plans to relocate to the nearby Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame center by July 1.

Brian M. Connors, the city's acting chief development officer, said Monday both sites are prime locations for development adjacent to the heavily-traveled Interstate 91. More than 100,000 cars travel that route daily, he said.

"The visibility we get there is a huge selling point," Connors said.

The city wants to "build on the successes we've seen" along the riverfront, including the Hall of Fame, the Rivers Landing-LA Fitness project, various restaurants, and the Hilton Garden Inn, Connors said.

"It's probably the most prime location in the city right now," Connors said. "We are hopeful it's a unique opportunity to be near a one-of-a-kind attraction like the Hall of Fame. The challenge is the economic climate today and how that will affect the interest."

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno recently said the city expects to have "very strong competition for both of these sites."

Springfield Republican Editorial - Is it Primetime for the Riverfront?

Is it prime time for the riverfront?

by The Republican Newsroom

Tuesday April 28, 2009, 6:00 AM

When grand ambitions for the redevelopment of Springfield's riverfront bump up against the reality of a tough economy, it's helpful to remember the Realtor's motto: Location, location, location.

In the midst of this recession, a prime location remains a singularly competitive advantage as the city begins a full-court press to find developers for two riverfront parcels near the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.