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Date: 8/21/2023
SPRINGFIELD — From sold out shows to new restaurants and developments, Downtown Springfield has been an evolving destination for its residents and visitors over the past several years and in planning for the future, this revival is only on the up.
Regarding the city’s economic impact, Springfield Business Improvement District Executive Director Michelle Grout said, “I don’t even know if it’s quantifiable … especially with COVID. While things were ramping up and the renaissance was well underway, COVID kind of knocked it down quite a bit and then really brought us to a place where we needed to just dig deep and come back.”
She continued, “We were very grateful during those — let’s say — two years that we really only lost four restaurants due to the impact of COVID and since then we gained eight new restaurants that are prosperous and doing well, mostly in the downtown dining district.”
This also led to the city’s investment in outdoor dining. Grout said she recognizes every restaurant and their valued contribution to the “vibrancy of creating a destination downtown.”
Mayor Domenic Sarno added on to Grout’s point and said his administration has been able to aid restaurant row with the creation of outdoor dining. Some of the locations Sarno referenced include Nadim’s, Red Rose, White Lion, Jackalope, The Fort, Dewey’s Jazz Lounge and All American Bar, Grill & Patio, many of which are new.
In June, Downtown Springfield experienced one of Western Massachusetts’ biggest weekends in recent history, with events such as the Ironman, Bruno Mars performing at the MassMutual Center, along with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, all during Springfield Restaurant Week. Over the span of four days, the city drove over $3.5 million in economic impact. Grout said the total estimated attendance across all events was around 27,000.
“I think MGM [Springfield] has contributed greatly to the resurgence of downtown,” Grout said.
The resort and casino are approaching its five-year anniversary, as it opened on Aug. 24, 2018.
MGM Springfield President Chris Kelley said they have an “extraordinary story” as some of its tenure was impacted by COVID-19.
Kelley shared that MGM Springfield has contributed $405 million in taxes and payments to the state, city and surrounding communities since opening. This includes over $120 million in payments directly to the city of Springfield.
“Over 50% of MGM Springfield’s operational spending is with Massachusetts-based businesses,” said Kelley. “We have also spent $33 million on local goods and services.”
MGM currently has 1,500 team members, which is up from 94 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Kelley noted that they also have countless volunteers that contribute thousands of hours.
On Jan. 31, MGM Springfield opened its new sportsbook. As the company is always looking at ways to improve and expand, Kelley said they will be focusing more on entertainment and what MGM can bring to patrons, such as Free Music Fridays.
Kelley shared that they are “very optimistic” for the future, along with the growth they are experiencing now.
Sarno explained that MGM Springfield is a $1 billion investment. When events take place, it means hotel rooms have to be booked and restaurants need to serve.
Kelley said, “The global pandemic was not something we want to experience again [but the city] all came together [and it] set us up well for revitalization … “We [MGM] are grateful to be a part of this comeback story.”
Over the last five years, Grout said the city has invested “a tremendous amount of money” to the downtown parks including Riverfront, Stearns Square and Duryea Way. “That was in tandem with MGM and plays a major contributor as well,” she shared. With those parks fully renovated and accessible, Grout said they are “desirable locations” for events such as the Springfield Pride Parade, Worthy Brew Fest and Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival, which Sarno said “thousands of people” attend. Grout said Jazz & Roots moving from Court Square to Stearns Square has solidified it as a destination, which she believes has attracted more people.
Another well-attended event is the annual pancake breakfast that is put on by the Spirit of Springfield. This year’s pancake breakfast was one of the largest in a decade, Grout shared. “I think that it speaks to the community that they want to be downtown ... They enjoy the vibrancy,” she added.
“People are hungry for happiness and these events make people feel good … When the city looks good, people feel good and they’re more apt to come down,” Grout said.
“The success of the Springfield Thunderbirds has been a tremendous asset to economic development in the downtown. Their rise to the Calder Cup series was amazing,” she shared. “The contribution it made to downtown from attendance, enthusiasm … It was a proud moment to say you’re a Thunderbirds fan.”
Grout said that she thinks the Thunderbirds drew people in that did not normally participate in the American Hockey League. With countless sellouts this past season, Sarno — a season ticket holder — praised the team for its accomplishments.
“The place is poppin’ downtown when they’re [in Springfield],” he said. “Red Rose … when the T-Birds are here, you can’t get a spot there.”
Sarno noted that the Thunderbirds average well over $15,000 each game.
Grout shared that the Common Wealth Murals continue to be a contributing factor to the city as well.
“While the initial installation was in 2019, they have invested year [after] year in Springfield and are contributing an additional two murals to the downtown this year,” she said. “If you only find one reason to come downtown, come check out the murals.”
In January, Springfield hosted its second Red Sox weekend which was “huge” for the downtown, not only economically, but perception wise as well, Grout said. She shared that herself and her team heard many participants say they couldn’t believe how nice, walkable and well-lit the city was, along with the food. “It made us really excited,” she added, and is hopeful that Red Sox weekend comes back.
Other attractions include the museums, libraries, Basketball Hall of Fame and more. Grout
noted that the investment in the Springfield Museums over the past three years has been “amazing” with the addition of a new planetarium.
“There’s so many opportunities down here for everyone,” Grout said.
Sarno said the new Big Y Express Fresh Market that opened in Tower Square has sent a big message and is well respected, as many forget that downtown is a neighborhood.
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is currently in the process of constructing a new garage — set to be complete in fall 2024 — on the state’s dime, Sarno said. In addition to that, Grout said there will be the development of a community plaza which will contribute greatly to programming, retail opportunities and serve as a nice gathering place, managed by the MassMutual Center.
The city of Springfield is working “diligently” now, doing a repaving project on Dwight Street and East and West Columbus avenues to be completed this year, explained Grout.
“The infrastructure and utility upgrades throughout the south end will continue to support the growth of downtown,” she said.
While the south — and north end — is not in the Springfield BID, she said they are a “very important and vital part of the downtown.”
Sarno added that he is working to “liven” the south end area with updates to the sidewalks and walkways.
“The other major contributor is the residents … The market rate housing,” Grout shared. “In the past couple of years, Silverbrick and Overland lofts have contributed over 100 new units to the downtown, with Overland Lofts leasing out before they were even online. Silverbrick is at full capacity and now 31 Elm [St.] — from what I understand — is almost fully leased as well and they’re not even online.”
Kelley shared that MGM Springfield has contributed $16 million to the ongoing construction at 31 Elm St.
“The property owners play a big role in the downtown. They subscribe to the Business Improvement District as an organization and they see the value that it brings to the table and how it also contributes to the idea of downtown as a destination,” Grout said.
She went on to recognize some of the businesses that have chosen to invest in Springfield, including Chase Bank which made a “major swing” for the city.
At 113-115 State St., future development is expected with quite a few proposals and bids for that property, which Sarno said will be announced soon. He noted that the city is dealing with developments all the time, in which they strive to be business friendly.
Overall, Grout said people living, working and playing downtown contributes to the economic vitality of the city.
She shared that there are so many people who say they do not come downtown, however, she is giving them reasons to come here. “It is a vibrant, beautiful place. If they haven’t been on Worthington Street, if they haven’t been to The Fort, if they haven’t taken in a show at Free Music Fridays at MGM, if they haven’t participated in the fireworks or the pancake breakfast or the downtown holiday lighting, the ice invasion … These are all fantastic reasons to come back and give us another try.”
Kelley emphasized the feel of being downtown and described it as “wonderful.”
When looking at all of this, Sarno said his administration has been able to accomplish a lot with more coming down the road.
“Mojo is coming back to the city of Springfield,” Sarno said.