371-Unit Worcester Apartment Building Proposed For Church Site

WORCESTER, MA — A developer is seeking permission to build a new apartment building in downtown Worcester that would occupy a long-vacant site that was part of a legal battle.

The five-story Alta at Seven Hills development would occupy the former Mount Caramel site near the corner of Mulberry and East Central streets along I-290. The building would have 371 units, plus just over 500 parking spots just north of Shrewsbury Street.

The five-acre Mount Caramel site was thought to be only useable for religious purposes dating back to a 1940s agreement between the church and the state. But a recent settlement between the state and the Diocese of Worcester effectively eliminated that restriction, according to the Mount Carmel Preservation Society.

There are already several Alta-branded apartment complexes across the state, including the newly opened Alta Union in Framingham, the Alta Clara at the Fells in Stoneham and the Alta at the Estate in Watertown.

The Worcester developer seeking to construct the building is WP East Acquisitions LLC, which is affiliated with the developer Wood Partners. The company most recently broke ground on the long-stalled River's Edge development in Wayland.

The Alta at Seven Hills proposal needs a variety of approvals from the city before construction can begin. The proposal is slated go before the Planning Board on June 16.