Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority seeks buyer to redevelop former hotel lot at 520 Main Street

FITCHBURG — The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority (FRA) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to purchase and redevelop the 15,651-square-foot vacant lot at 520 Main Street, the former site of the historic Johnsonia Building destroyed by a fire in 2011.

The Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority (FRA), a quasi-public agency established by city officials in 1964 to oversee urban renewal, purchased the lot at 520 Main Street in 2021. The FRA is now seeking proposals that align with the city’s Urban Renewal Plan, initiated in 2001 and formally established in 2022, which aims to transform downtown Fitchburg into a vibrant district featuring mixed-use spaces for residential, commercial, and entertainment purposes.

According to the RFP, applicants must explain the economic impact of their proposal and how it aligns with the objectives of the Urban Renewal Plan.

“This project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area,” FRA’s Executive Director Meagen Donoghue told the Worcester Business Journal. “The development of this site will bring new businesses, job opportunities, and vibrant community spaces to our city.”

The parcel is situated in Fitchburg’s Intown Business zone, which permits retail, business services, housing, and office uses, with an emphasis on creating a safe environment for high-volume pedestrian traffic.

The property is also located in a Federal Opportunity Zone, which may offer tax incentives for new investments. Potential funding sources for selected projects include MassDevelopment grants, North Central Massachusetts Development Corp. funds, and city-run programs.

Proposals are due by 10 a.m. on December 6, 2024, at the FRA office at 166 Boulder Drive. The full RFP document is available here.

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