Big Vacant Lot In Worcester Eyed For Lab Space Development

WORCESTER, MA —A notably large empty lot near downtown Worcester may soon be occupied by a lab building, part of a larger Worcester Polytechnic Institute-linked development near Lincoln Square.

Holyoke-based developer O’Connell Development Group recently submitted plans for a 125,000 square-foot lab and office building at 32 Prescott St. That 2-acre lot is a large grassy field near busy I-290 ramps along Lincoln Street.

The building would be the next phase of WPI's Gateway Park, a joint effort with the Worcester Business Development Corporation to redevelop several blocks between Grove and Lincoln streets south of the Washburn and Moen building.

WPI has built two other academic buildings in the development area, housing bioengineering and fire protection research facilities. The development also includes two new hotels between Grove and Prescott streets. One remaining lot at 10 Salisbury St. remains vacant.

The 32 Prescott St. development, which will include a 65-space parking lot, is set for a public hearing Nov. 2 in front of the Planning Board.

The development is one of two eyed for large vacant lots in Worcester announced this week.

Boston-based developer Winterspring Capital LLC recently proposed a 120-unit multifamily development for 5 Madison St., a long-vacant parcel near the corner of Beacon and Madison streets.