Work has started on a $35 million project to build apartments in the historic Indian Motocycle factory in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The five-story main building, where motorcycles were produced from 1903-1952, will be converted to 45 apartments. To retain the factory aesthetic, timber beams will be kept, the large windows restored and masonry repaired.
Dennis Bolduc, a motorcycle collector whose grandfather worked in the factory, said he’s thrilled its being preserved.
"We produced motorcycles for World War I, World War II. There is an American story here," said Bolduc.
The project also includes building 15 apartments in the nearby Mason Square fire station, which has stood empty at the intersection of State Street and Wilbraham Road for 20 years.
Several attempts to redevelop the former Indian Motocycle property over the decades fell through.
Gordon Pulsifer, president of First Resource Companies of Hanover, the developer, said he’s proud that everything came together this time.
"We've started construction and we look forward to having 60 new families live here a year from now," said Pulsifer.
Several years ago, the city took possession of the Indian Motorcycle building as a result of a tax lien. The City Council voted in 2014 to sell the property to First Resource for $51,000. Construction had been expected to start in 2016, but Pulsifer said it was delayed until the financing could be put in place.
The project is being paid for through a combination of public and private financing and federal and state historic preservation tax credits.
Pulsifer and his company, First Resource, have a track record that includes several housing developments in Springfield, many in sections of the city with high crime rates.
Mayor Domenic Sarno said Pulsifer has been a great partner with Springfield.
"He has been a great community advocate," said Sarno. " His places are clean and safe and secure."
First Resource’s holdings in Springfield include a building with 139 apartments that was once part of the Indian Motocycle factory complex
State Rep. Bud Williams hopes the new project will be a catalyst for more development in the Mason Square neighborhood.
" The old Mason Square fire station has been an eyesore in the heart of Mason Square for decades," said Williams who added he is "delighted" to have it replaced with affordable housing.
A row of commercial buildings across the street is being demolished to provide parking for the tenants of the new apartments. There will be a lit crosswalk on State Street.
