WCHR and Elm Park PREP+ Neighborhood celebrated the restoration of 8 Townsend Street on a sunny September 21, 2000. This three-decker near Elm Park was built in 1890. The City's demolition of blighted 65 Russell Street next door provided an ample yard and off-street parking. With balloons flying and hamburgers grilling, over 100 guests listened to lively speakers illustrate the importance of the restored property to stabilizing the neighborhood.
WCHR served as owner and developer. Substantial rehab subsidies were provided by the City of Worcester/EONS through the Federal HOME program and by Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, with acquisition and construction lending from the WCHR Community Loan Fund and Flagship Bank. Rob Toupin of R.J. Toupin Construction was the general contractor.

WCHR Board President, Dennis Irish, welcomed all to the celebration. Jim Connolly, chair of Elm Park PREP+ Neighborhood, Inc., spoke to the crowd, as did city officials and other neighborhood residents. The Reverend Robert Bachelor of the Worcester Area Mission Society/United Church of Christ spoke gallantly about the ongoing need for social investors to provide "tugboat" lending to get projects like this off the ground.

WCHR project manager, Kathy Lynch, managed the relocation of tenants, the demolition of 65 Russell Street for green space and parking, the overall construction, and finally the sale to a low- to moderate-income family. In addition to commitment to live in the house at least 15 years, the new owner will rent units to lower-income families.

Read The Worcester T&G on WCHR, "Renovated three-decker ready for a buyer"