Students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute presented preliminary research on Dec. 2 assessing the feasibility of converting upper‑story commercial spaces in a defined downtown area into year‑round housing.

The team said they evaluated about 160 parcels in a restricted downtown study area and found second‑story space was largely occupied (about 78% commercial use overall at street level, with a notable share of second‑story spaces already used as seasonal housing). Much of the second‑story square footage is finished, which can facilitate conversion in some cases but may also increase the scope of alteration required to meet year‑round housing standards. The students reported that third‑story spaces were less well documented and that only about 62% of third‑story square footage they examined appeared finished.

Stakeholders the students interviewed raised consistent concerns: the cost of bringing spaces up to current building codes (including potential Chapter 34 triggers), disruption to businesses during construction, liability considerations of tenants above businesses, and historic‑preservation limits on altering facades or adding dormers. The students recommended exploring targeted financial incentives, aggregating multiple conversions for grant competitiveness, community outreach to gauge support and a proof‑of‑concept pilot conversion in collaboration with the town or a private owner.

The WPI group will present a final set of recommendations and a full report at the Trust’s Dec. 9 session.