Worcester hopes to find new uses for old building
City officials are trying to find new uses for the Worcester Memorial Auditorium, which has been vacant for some time.
Edward M. Augustus Jr., the city manager, plans to present a proposal to the City Council soon. If approved, it would reopen the building this summer, at least temporarily.
The auditorium, which is on a hill that overlooks Lincoln Square, was built in the Classical Revival style in 1932 to honor World War I veterans.
Augustus says that among the ideas for the building are creating spaces for “pop up” vendors on the main floor. Pop up stores are shops that open for a limited time, and then close again. Sometimes they are only open for a day, while other times they may be open for a few weeks.
Augustus also says the city has been talking about the idea of having the Worcester Art Museum create a temporary installation of contemporary art that might serve to bring visitors to the auditorium to view the exhibit.
Augustus also said that his office has been talking with people from MassDevelopment and the city's Economic Development department about long-term uses for the building. No one wants to lose the historic structure.
City officials might create brochures about the auditorium and distribute them widely in order to gain support for the renovations.
Edward M. Augustus Jr., the city manager, plans to present a proposal to the City Council soon. If approved, it would reopen the building this summer, at least temporarily.
The auditorium, which is on a hill that overlooks Lincoln Square, was built in the Classical Revival style in 1932 to honor World War I veterans.
Augustus says that among the ideas for the building are creating spaces for “pop up” vendors on the main floor. Pop up stores are shops that open for a limited time, and then close again. Sometimes they are only open for a day, while other times they may be open for a few weeks.
Augustus also says the city has been talking about the idea of having the Worcester Art Museum create a temporary installation of contemporary art that might serve to bring visitors to the auditorium to view the exhibit.
Augustus also said that his office has been talking with people from MassDevelopment and the city's Economic Development department about long-term uses for the building. No one wants to lose the historic structure.
City officials might create brochures about the auditorium and distribute them widely in order to gain support for the renovations.