318-Apartment Development Proposed In Worcester's Canal District

WORCESTER, MA — A 13-story, 318-unit apartment building is being proposed for a block along Green Street in Worcester's Canal District.

Gold Block Real Estate LLC has filed an application for zoning approvals for the project. If approved, the development would take over the front portion of the block between Plymouth and Gold streets, and would mean the demolition of four existing buildings, including the former Lucky Dog Music Hall and Thai Binh Jewelry Store.

The firm Churchill James LLC in January announced plans to build a candlepin bowling alley at the site, plus housing and a pizza restaurant, according to MassLive. At the time, the project was projected to be only up to 80 housing units. Churchill James partner Thomas Keane is a manager of the subsidiary Gold Block Real Estate.

According to a public hearing notice, the Gold Block development would be about 380,000 square-feet total, with close to 30,000 square-feet dedicated to food and retail space. There would also be a 152-space parking garage, according to the notice.

The Gold Block project is part of a wider slate of developments around Polar Park. The developer Boston Capital has announced plans to build 80 affordable units at the site of the Green Street Table Talk Pies factory. That facility is moving to the former Crompton & Knowles site along Grand Street.

There are also five buildings, including two residential buildings, two office buildings and a hotel, planned around Polar Park and on the east side of Madison Street.

The Gold Block project will be up for a public hearing at the Planning Board on May 5.