Worcester News

Midtown Mall owner vows 'major change in downtown'

  • Posted by Worcester News September 24, 2020 - Filed in News - #Worcester  #Midtown Mall  #Worcester Redevelopment Authority  #Felicio Lana  - 5,807 views

    Vowing a major change in downtown Worcester, the owner of the Midtown Mall discussed his latest plans and showed new drawings of the completed project on Wednesday.

    Felicio Lana pledged to "change the feeling and the image" of the mall in a 23-minute interview with Mauro DePasquale on WCCA-TV's "Daily Breaking."

    Lana, who purchased the mall from Dean and Judith Marcus in May 2019, said he has a development partner for the project and has submitted plans to the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, which has long targeted the mall for redevelopment.

    Lana is proposing to replace the current art deco facade with glass. The Worcester Historical Commission rejected his application for a demolition delay waiver that would allow him to proceed. The one-year delay expires in February.

    The proposed new facade of the Midtown Mall (screen grab)

    Lana's plans can for an urban supermarket on the first floor, a fitness club and coworking space on the second floor, and an indoor/outdoor rootop bar that would overlook Worcester Common.

    In addition, a lower level would include an arcade and more shops.

    Lana said he is talking with possible anchor tenants.

    The owner of the Midtown Mall is proposing rooftop dining overlooking Worcester Common (screen grab)

    Lana said his original project timeline was 12-18 months has been dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly sourcing materials. Prices and the availability of aluminum and glass, he said, have the greatest impact.

    "This is not just a paint job," he said.

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Comments

1 comment
  • Partrick White likes this
  • Mack Jones
    Mack Jones Interesting interview. I would have liked to hear about how the project will be financed. The owner cannot or will not pay the delinquent taxes due on the properties. I'd like to see the building permit withheld until City has been paid in full for...  more
    September 24, 2020

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