English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Worcester, MA

Worcester, MA — The largest office-to-residential conversion project in Massachusetts is moving forward in downtown Worcester, as MassDevelopment and The Washington Trust Company finalize more than $50 million in financing to support the creation of nearly 200 new apartments.

The $51.17 million financing package will enable an affiliate of Synergy to convert the former Fallon Community Health Plan headquarters at 10 Chestnut Street into 198 market-rate residential units. The project marks a major step in repurposing underutilized office space in the wake of shifting workplace trends.

Washington Trust is providing $47.57 million in primary financing, while MassDevelopment is contributing a $3.6 million Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) tax credit bridge loan. Additional support includes a $4 million HDIP award and a $3.6 million Commercial Conversion Tax Credit from the state, along with a 15-year Tax Increment Exemption from the City of Worcester.

State officials say the project highlights the role of public-private partnerships in revitalizing urban cores. Eric Paley said redeveloping underused office space into housing will boost economic activity and bring new life to downtown areas.

“By converting an underutilized office building into nearly 200 apartments, this project will increase foot traffic and support local businesses,” Paley said.

Navjeet Bal added that the agency is proud to help bridge public incentives with private financing to make the development possible.

Once complete, the 11-story building will include 41 two-bedroom units, 85 one-bedroom units, and 72 studio apartments. Planned amenities include a fitness center, rooftop deck, outdoor patio, swimming pool, and underground parking. Construction began in May 2025 and is expected to be completed by August 2026.

Local officials say the project is key to Worcester’s broader housing and economic development goals. Joseph Petty said the conversion will help meet demand for housing while contributing to the city’s ongoing downtown revitalization.

“Rehabilitating a prime building in the heart of Worcester will spur additional activity and opportunity in an area experiencing renewed vitality,” Petty said.

Eric Batista noted that such conversions also help stabilize property values and restore occupancy levels in office buildings impacted by the pandemic.

Project leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration in bringing the development to life. Ryan Chamberlain said converting office buildings into housing is one of the most effective strategies for strengthening urban centers.

“This project brings life back to a vacant property, supports local businesses, and expands housing access,” Chamberlain said.

As cities across the country grapple with declining office demand, the Worcester project stands as a landmark example of adaptive reuse—transforming legacy office space into vibrant residential communities while driving economic growth.

The charming suburban city of Framingham is an unexpected Massachusetts gem located conveniently between Worcester and Boston. With close access to several highways, as well as a train station with a commuter rail directly to Boston, it's the perfect location for anyone who wants to move around the state easily. But part of what makes Framingham so special is that it's a city in close contact with nature, with 45 different parks, including the sprawling Callahan State Park.

With over 800 acres of land and 7 miles of marked trails, it's a great place to unwind in nature. The beauty of this park is its varied landscape, with trails winding by ponds, through shaded forests, and across open meadows. But walking isn't the only activity allowed at the park. Horseback riding, fishing, and mountain biking are all welcome pastimes. And while you might think you'd need to head to a city in the Berkshires, like Pittsfield, to get in some good cross-country skiing, Callahan State Park also offers this opportunity when powdery white snow settles onto its trails. This makes the park a wonderful option for outdoor adventures all year long.

Callahan State Park is also quite popular with dog owners, who appreciate the park's marked areas where their furry friends can explore without a leash. "Best place around Boston to let your dog roam," writes one Google reviewer. "Many ponds and streams to keep them (and you) cool." This paradise for dog walkers is one of the top attractions in Framingham, particularly as it is one of the few state parks where dogs are legally allowed off-leash.

Callahan State Park is perfect for dog lovers and hikers

At Callahan State Park, dogs must remain leashed in the parking lot and on trails adjacent to private property. Dogs must also remain on a leash when visiting the Earthen Dam and Foxhunt Trail in the southern part of the park. However, according to Callahan Dogs, a non-profit association founded to ensure that off-leash dogs and their owners can safely enjoy the park, dogs are allowed to roam free on many of the interior trails and the area around Eagle Pond, as long as they are under control by their owners.

But even if you don't have a dog, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy a day at Callahan State Park. For example, Eagle Pond isn't just a hangout for dogs — it's also a great place to do a little fishing, as are some of the surrounding brooks. Anyone looking for a quieter experience at the park, away from barking dogs, may want to try out the northern side of the park, which is said to be less crowded. Additionally, the park is also an excellent choice for birdwatchers, who can take in a variety of warblers, sparrows, and meadowlarks that call it home.

Whether you want to do the quick, easy trails that surround Eagle Pond or a more moderate jaunt around Gibbs Mountain, there is truly something for everyone, from horseback riders to mountain bikers. Parking is available, free of charge, at three different entrances of the park. The main entrance and south entrance, which is close to Eagle Pond, are both in Framingham, while the north entrance spills over into neighboring Marlborough. Looking for more to do in Framingham? Check out the wildly unique Farm Pond, another outdoor area with a unique trail that allows you to walk on water.

WORCESTER, MA — A medical school in Worcester was awarded a large sum of money to advance research into a fatal disease.

The Angel Fund for ALS Research awarded UMass Chan Medical School $800,000, the school announced on Friday. The funding is meant to accelerate research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the brain and the spinal cord. People with the disease slowly lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, often leading to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. While 10 percent of ALS is genetic, the other 90 percent is considered sporadic, the school said.

The donation supports the work of two leaders in ALS research. That is Robert H. Brown Jr., who serves as the Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Chair in Neuroscience and a professor of neurology and Daryl Bosco, who serves as the Paul J. DiMare Chair in Neurodegenerative Disease, a professor of neurology and biochemistry, and molecular biotechnology, and the associate vice chair of research for the Department of Neurology.

The medical school said that Dr. Brown is considered a pioneer in ALS research. Dr. Brown discovered the first gene linked to hereditary ALS and led the first clinical trial for ALS using gene therapy.

“All of us in the UMass Chan ALS research program feel deeply grateful to The Angel Fund for its continuing support,” said Dr. Brown. “This has made a decisive difference in the breadth of our program, which almost exclusively focus on investigations related to therapy development. Some of our most innovative programs have been possible because of the generosity of The Angel Fund.”

Rich Kennedy, the president of The Angel Fund for ALS Research, was diagnosed with the disease in 2016 at 56 years old. That was after he lost his father to ALS, along with his brothers Jimmy and Jake.

The Angel Fund has been dedicated to supporting groundbreaking research for more than 20 years. Since 1997, it has raised millions of dollars to support scientific research, clinical trials and efforts aimed at ending ALS.

In total, The Angel Fund has contributed more than $10 million to ALS research and more than $2 million in the last three years.

“The most recent donation will help propel the work being done at UMass Chan to get a better understanding of the mechanisms of ALS, identify new therapeutic targets, and accelerate the development of more effective treatments to change the trajectory of this devastating disease,” said Angel Fund for ALS Research President Rich Kennedy.“Tremendous progress has been made in the last few years, and I am confident that The Angel Fund has been a factor in moving this research forward through the discretionary funding that we provide."

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WORCESTER – Just days before they were set to host a weekend of St. Patrick's Day festivities, the owners of the storied O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar announced they have closed for good.

The restaurant, which had operated on West Boylston Street for more than 35 years, announced a temporary closing on Monday, March 9, due to damage from a burst pipe. Two days later, on Wednesday, March 11, the owners revealed they would not be reopening.

"It is with great regret that we must share that after our recent pipe burst and with rising business costs, O'Connor's will not be reopening its doors," reads the message shared on social media. "Through many difficult times we've given it our very best to carry on this beloved landmark, but the latest challenges have led us to the end of our journey."

Opened in 1989 by husband-and-wife duo Brendan and Claire O'Connor, the restaurant changed hands in 2022 when the pair retired and sold the business to restauranteurs Dennis and Jennifer Maxwell and the Maxwells' son, Kyle.

The announcement quickly elicited responses from regulars and longtime employees who lamented the shuttering of the expansive city icon, known for its Guinness pie and Irish potato pizza.

Customers pay tribute

"It was the best family restaurant in Worcester," said city native Andrew Noone, who started going to the restaurant the year it opened. While Noone stopped frequenting the pub after it changed ownership, he recalled many fond memories of family dinners there with his daughter and her husband.

Noone also praised the restaurant's interior, which was adorned floor to ceiling with metal plaques, street signs and other Irish memorabilia.

"It was always a full house," he said.

Julie St. John, now 43, said she started going to O'Connor's as a teenager with her mother. As a young adult, it became the go-to spot to meet up with friends visiting the city from out of town.

"Oh certainly a loss, I don’t know another place anywhere that I could get some of the food that they serve," St. John, of Millbury, said of the pub's closing.

The O'Connors, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1988, landing outside Boston before finding their way west to Worcester, were also lovingly remembered by customers.

"They were always there to greet you," Noone said of the couple.

On Thursday, March 12, a sign advertising pre-event celebrations before Sunday's annual St. Patrick's Parade and extended hours on St. Patrick's Day itself still hung in the parking lot. The restaurant itself was dark, with lowered shutters blocking the view of the mahogany interior.

Brendan O'Connor once served as the parade's grand marshal in 1995.

"We extend our sincerest gratitude to all of our amazing guests and staff who supported us over the years and made O'Connor's such a special place. We shared so many wonderful memories together, and we are truly thankful for every visit, every meal, and every moment. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We are truly saddened that it has come to this but we wish all of you the very best as we say farewell," the Maxwells concluded their message to customers.

The restaurant closed down for several days in April 2025, except for large parties and private functions, saying that it was "a bit short on hands."

It reopened on May 1.