An 11-room mansion built for an industrialist in Springfield, Massachusetts in the 1800’s is now part of the city’s current economic development efforts.
The Merrick Phelps House was once listed as one of Springfield’s most endangered historic properties. Now it has been completely renovated for an economically viable use: office space.
DevelopSpringfield President Jay Minkarah said the development agency spent $1.8 million on the restoration project in part to eliminate a glaring symbol of decay along one of the city’s most heavily traveled streets.
" There were two prior efforts to restore this building that failed, so we could not let this be just another promise that goes unfulfilled," said Minkarah.
The mansion is part of a planned lower Maple Street office park that will include two other restored historic buildings.
