Council approves transfer of prior CPA award to local nonprofit for Gun Block rehabilitation
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Summary
Councilors approved transferring a previously authorized $250,000 CPA award to a new local nonprofit owner, Janae McDonald, who plans facade and roof work at the Gun Block (477 State Street) and intends community uses including a digital literacy lab and affordable housing applications.
The Springfield City Council voted Dec. 1 to authorize a financial order transferring a previously approved CPA grant (2023 award of $250,000) for roof, masonry and facade work on the Gun Block Building at 477 State Street to a new local nonprofit owner.
Bob McCarroll said the 2023 award had not been drawn down by the original out‑of‑state owner, who then sold the property last month. The new owner, Janae McDonald, described plans to stabilize the roof and facade, create two commercial spaces on the first floor and a community learning center upstairs. She said she has an award letter from MassDevelopment, has applied to MassHousing for $750,000 for affordable housing units, and intends to use historic tax credits and other grants to complete the interior build‑out.
Councilors praised the local ownership and noted the importance of reactivating a long‑vacant historic property on the State Street corridor near educational institutions. Several members said the funding will be disbursed as work is inspected and that transferring the previous award to a local, active developer reduces project risk. The order passed by roll call.
Next steps include contract execution, phased inspections and coordination with preservation planners on Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation compliance.