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Date: 4/4/2023
SPRINGFIELD — The education and support services nonprofit Square One is expanding its outreach in Springfield with the announcement of a new location at 947 Main St. Once completed, the building will reactivate a dormant space that Square One once operated in before it was demolished in the 2011 tornado.
Square One has operated in Springfield for 140 years. The nonprofit focuses on providing opportunities for children and families to build the foundation for lifelong learning by growing cognitive, emotional, social and physical skills. Square One’s programs include early education and care at their center, home-based care settings located throughout Greater Springfield, and out of school time care for elementary school age children.
The nonprofit supports 500 infants, toddlers and school-aged children daily through their programs.
The new facility will be a $10 million project for the organization. It will include preschool classrooms, family support services, a playground, garden and administrative offices. So far, the state delegation has secured a $2 million earmark to support the nonprofit’s efforts, while Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has awarded $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Local real estate developers Fran Cataldo, Juan Prieto, Paul Picknelly and Charles Irving are partnering on the project as Davenport Square 1. The same team is submitting a request for quotation for the redevelopment of the Colonial Block property.
City leaders and Square One team members celebrated the announcement during a March 24 ceremony at the 947 Main St. building site. Sarno, State Sens. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), John Velis (D-Westfield) and Jacob Oliveira (D-Ludlow) and state Reps. Orlando Ramos (D-Springfield), Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield) and Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow) were in attendance.
Sarno reflected on walking through the former Square One facility area in the aftermath of the tornado. He described it as a “surreal” scene, with building debris scattered throughout the city streets and electronic lights flickering. Now, the mayor is looking forward to return of Square One services to its former homestead.
“From the ashes rises a phoenix,” said Sarno.
The mayor highlighted the city of Springfield’s efforts to support early childhood development, including being the first city in the state to offer a universal full-day pre-K program for free. He stressed that Square One’s wraparound support for children is critical in supporting the development of children and the city at large.
“The more we can do for our young people, the better outcome we have in the city of Springfield,” said Sarno.
Gonzalez considered the project a critical endeavor for Springfield and Western Massachusetts. He discussed the importance of providing children the tools to build skills at an early age.
“It’s an investment into the future … If education starts at an early age, it’s meaningful,” said Gonzales.
In his remarks, Gomez harkened back to his days attending Square One’s programs.
“The future came up here just like me,” said Gomez.
Gomez recognized the dedicated efforts of the nonprofit’s staff in helping to provide developmental skills to children throughout the city. He said the new facility should provide additional opportunities for growth.
“Thank you all for what you do for the future of Springfield,” said Gomez.
Square One President & CEO Dawn DiStefano said she stood in the 947 Main St. parcel two years ago while brainstorming the development of a new facility. DiStefano reflected on the years of overcoming arduous challenges for the organization, whether it was the 2011 tornado or the coronavirus pandemic.
“It has not always been easy, but it’s always been our purpose,” said DiStefano.
DiStefano considered the new facility “the culmination of years of strength and collaboration.” She reflected on its announcement as a critical moment in the nonprofit’s history.
“It comes full circle,” said DiStefano.
Readers can learn more about Square One at startatsquareone.org/.