Keeping Springfield Beautiful One Home at a Time

By: Elizabeth Corridan

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) -- In an effort to clean, green and unite the city, abc40 and FOX6 are teaming up with Keep Springfield Beautiful and the Springfield Preservation Trust. Wednesday, community organizers came together for what is hopefully the first of many groundbreakings at historic buildings in need of rescuing.

The Springfield Preservation Trust recently purchased 77 Maple Street. Built in the 1830s, the city's oldest school building was slated to be torn down for a parking lot. The long-term goal is to renovate the building, converting it into multiple condominiums. Mayor Domenic Sarno says, "This is important not only for historic aspects but this is a gateway intersection. People will drive down Maple and Union and see this beautiful building."

The hope is that the prime location draws downtown professionals. City Councilor and Keep Springfield Beautiful President Melvin Edwards says, "We're just a block from Main Street, a block from State Street. This is an economic magnet that gives people with the upward mobility to leave Springfield an excuse to stay."

Springfield Preservation Trust was able to secure a community development block grant to hire a crew and begin renovations to ensure the building is structurally sound to continue with the restoration. Now they are calling upon the community to step up and donate to help complete the project. SPT's Benjamin Murphy says, "We're looking to the community, both individuals and corporations, to keep the project moving on."

Edwards adds "This is the type of project that can propel the city into the future."

The goal is that by restoring this property to its original glory, the Springfield Preservation Trust, in partnership with fellow non-profit Keep Springfield Beautiful and the city, can fuel positive momentum in the neighborhood and beyond, forging a community-wide partnership with endless potential.