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Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD Attorney Laura Merino was perfectly happy with her law offices on State Street, except for one thing: she wanted to be in a neighborhood. Merino recently invested in the city's South End by purchasing a building at 13-15 Wilcox St. and moving her law office there. The building also houses the new district office for State Representative Cheryl Rivera (D-Springfield). The move represented a $280,000 investment. Merino first came to Springfield 13 years ago to attend Western New England College School of Law. The New Jersey native was so taken by the city and the area that she decided to stay and start a practice here. She said that at that time she was attracted to the South End because of its mix of residences and businesses. "I wanted to be in a neighborhood with lots of good food," she said with a laugh. Although her previous office was closer to the court buildings, she "wanted to feel like we were in a neighborhood," something her previous office location couldn't afford her. The building she purchased had been extensively renovated by the previous owner and features four apartments on the second floor as well as her office space and the area she rents to Rivera. She moved in late February and what has impressed her so far is the how the residents are dedicated to keeping up their homes and the neighborhood. Investing in the South End also carries another meaning for Merino, as she is a member of the city's Riverfront Commission. She is very concerned on developing ways to link the tourism generated by the Basketball Hall of Fame complex to the South End. What's the best part of moving to the South End? Merino said the church bells from Mount Carmel make her "feel like I'm in Italy." | ||||||
