One plan for Court Square site

By Patrick Johnson

05/12/2008- The Republican

SPRINGFIELD - Just one of the four developers invited to submit final proposals for the Court Square renovation project did so by yesterday's deadline, and officials will now review the sole submission, an official said.

Although the Boston-based development firm of Connolly and Partners submitted the only proposal, Brian M. Connors, Court Square project manager, said the plan is a strong one.

"We'll send it to the selection committee and go through the same process as if we had two or three proposals," he said.

If the selection committee favorably recommends it, it will go forward, he said. If the proposal is not recommended, the committee and Springfield Redevelopment Authority could decide to re-advertise for proposals.

The city is seeking to redevelop the long-vacant, six-story office building at 13-31 Elm St. and four connected properties on Elm and State streets.

Connolly and Partners proposed a mixed-use plan that includes space for retail stores, restaurants, residential and loft apartments, and a suites-style hotel. The plan also includes space for parking and possibly space for what was termed an interior rooftop green space.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno lauded the latest development in the project, calling it a milestone in the rehabilitation of the landmark downtown parcel. "We look forward to the selection committee taking a closer look at the Connolly and Partners proposal and making a final recommendation," Sarno said.

The centerpiece of the project, 13-31 Elm St. abuts Court Square and is within walking distance of the MassMutual Center, City Hall and Symphony Hall. It was constructed in 1892.

Also in the project is a three-story building at 3-7 Elm St., which at 173 years old is one of the oldest buildings in the city. A third building at 104-108 State St., currently a law office, will be razed.

The project initially drew interest from seven developers, but the city whittled the list down to four in March. In addition to Connolly and Partners, the other three firms invited to submit final proposals were CSM & Companies of New Haven, Lexington Partners of Hartford, and Trinity Financial of Boston.

Connors said he does not know why the other firms opted to drop out.

"The good news here is that even though we're in tough economic times and a tough market, we got a pretty good proposal to go over," he said.