O’Connell Development Group acquired this former manufacturing facility several years ago with the intention of redeveloping it as a retail center. In spring 2011, the Holyoke City Council unanimously approved a zone change that will allow retail uses on the parcel. The project is currently in the permitting stage. Permits have been acquired from the Holyoke Public Works Department, Holyoke Planning Board, Holyoke Conservation Commission, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. In March 2012, the Holyoke Planning Board approved the $16 million retail project with a Big Y supermarket. Demolition of the existing building anticipated in late spring/summer of 2013, followed by the construction of a 47,000-square-feet Big Y supermarket and an additional 50,000 square feet of specialty retail stores.
