WORCESTER

Real estate study: Union Station best suited for hotel, not Cannabis Commission HQ

Lisa Eckelbecker
lisa.eckelbecker@telegram.com

WORCESTER - Union Station should become the home of a boutique hotel, not the state's Cannabis Control Commission, according to a report prepared by commercial real estate firm Kelleher & Sadowsky.

The recommendation is one of several made by the firm, which was retained by the Worcester Redevelopment Authority months ago to develop a real estate strategy for the station.

The authority, which oversees Union Station, voted Friday to proceed with leasing the second floor of the station to the CCC. It acknowledged receipt of the report but put off discussion until its Jan. 9 meeting.

The report suggested that filling the second floor with the offices of the CCC would not help drive more visitors and activity to the station.

Among its other recommendations, the report suggested landscaping improvements and murals, security cameras and better lighting at underpasses. It also suggested that the city take control of leasing in the station's great hall and try to book more events there, while seeking a new restaurateur for the main floor.