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Commission approves opening doors and windows at 72 Shrewsbury Street to support new public activation
Summary
Owners and tenant representatives said facade alterations and openings at 72 Shrewsbury Street will reactivate a formerly vacant commercial block; the commission approved a building-demo delay waiver to allow new doors, windows and exterior work.
The Worcester Historical Commission on July 24 approved a building‑demo delay waiver for exterior work at 72 Shrewsbury Street that will allow new doors and windows to be opened in a commercial property the applicants said had been altered repeatedly over its history.
Alex Lorenzano, vice president of hospitality for Henler Family Brewing, and Jack Henler, owner of Henler Family Brewing, appeared with representatives of the property owners (J and M Batista Family Living in Partnership / Brand of Realty Group). They said the two‑building complex had been through many uses — including a car dealership and later bars and restaurants — and that past openings and bricked‑up windows make the proposed work consistent with the building’s historic pattern of changes.
Applicants said the intention is to use the space for more public activation by Wormtown Brewing (currently a tenant) with a more open taproom and an outdoor patio; applicants acknowledged patio approval falls under other city zoning processes. The applicants said the rear portion of the building had been collapsing and required restoration when they purchased the complex; they described prior restoration work and noted their rehabilitation had won a silver‑hammer award.
After no public comment, the commission voted to find the proposed opening of doors and windows would not be detrimental to the city’s historic resources and approved the building‑demo delay waiver.
