Photo Courtesy of the City of Greenfield

By KENNEDY GRIFFIN

(Greenfield, MA) Update – As part of the former Wilson’s building redevelopment, the abandoned foundation that would have been the site for a new GCTV studio will be filled in and used to create an entryway for the apartments going in the upper levels of the building. What is now a hole in the ground was the beginning of a two-story studio, but when funds ran out for the project, the property changed ownership and has since sat empty. Now, it is included in the redesign plans and will be addressed as construction for the grocery store and apartments begins.

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Update 04/24/2023 After plans were announced late last year for the redevelopment of the former Wilson’s building on Main Street in Greenfield, the businesses that currently occupy the space including Cleary Jewelers, Hens and Chicks, and Lucky Bird may have more time before moving out. The redevelopment plan includes an expansion of Green Fields Market into the lower levels of the building and mixed-income housing on the upper floors. The three businesses currently occupying the space will need to relocate, and according to an owner of Hens and Chicks, they may be receiving help finding a new location from the MassDevelopment Authority.

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(11.17.2022) The City of Greenfield and the Franklin Community Co-op announced the sale of the Wilson’s building at 258 Main Street in Greenfield. The Community Builders and Mass Development with the City of Greenfield have signed a purchase and sale agreement to buy and redevelop the building. Green Fields Market will be expanding with their relocation to the first floor and basement of Wilson’s.

The Community Builders will redevelop other parts of the building to create approximately 65 mixed-income rental homes. Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said during Wednesday’s City Council meeting that this is “public private partnership at its best.” Franklin Community Co-op will be holding forums to discuss and get input on next steps in the project. 

The residential redevelopment of the historic property will be financed in part by a combination of federal and state low income housing tax credits (LIHTC), new market tax credits (NMTC) and historic tax credits (HTC), pending approvals from relevant state agencies. The City of Greenfield is also investing $300,000 in funds that must be used to create affordable housing. Construction on the co-op is expected in 2023/2024 and the residential construction by 2025/2026.

“The redevelopment of Wilson’s for retail and mixed-income housing is the cornerstone of revitalization of downtown Greenfield that I have been working on since my first day on the job,” said Mayor Wedegartner. “Working with TCB, MassDevelopment and the co-op, along with municipal staff, has been a great partnership. I look forward to other exciting opportunities with them in the near future.”

“In addition to creating much-needed, high-quality housing in Greenfield, relocating and expanding Green Fields Market will provide the community with access to healthy food in an area of Greenfield currently without a full-service grocery store,” said Rachana Crowley, director of real estate development at TCB. “We’re proud to be a part of this team which will create new housing, employment opportunities and invest in a strong and robust Main Street in Greenfield. Special thanks to Mayor Wedegartner and Dan Rivera for their leadership and support.”

John Williams, FCC general manager, states, “Thank you to the City of Greenfield for their efforts bringing together TCB, Mass Development, and the co-op and their critical support of the continued revitalization of Greenfield’s historic downtown and this landmark Wilson’s Building. They have been an integral partner on this project, and we are grateful for their commitment to bring more housing and a full-service community-focused and owned grocery store to our downtown area.”“Mixed-use buildings featuring housing and retail are a main ingredient for creating vibrant, walkable downtown neighborhoods,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors. “The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased that MassDevelopment is able to play a key role advancing efforts to redevelop this historic property to meet the needs of Greenfield today.”“MassDevelopment is proud to support The Community Builders and the Franklin Community Co-op as they strive to revitalize this historic property on Main Street with mixed-income housing, jobs and an accessible and expanded grocery store,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “This collaborative effort could not be possible without the leadership of the City of Greenfield and the downtown neighborhood.”