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Lt. Governor Kerry Healey Celebrates Devens Common Business District Opening
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October 21, 2005 Contacts: Adam Bickelman, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 or 617-510-1240 Peter Potenza, Devens Development, LLC, 978-692-9450 Laura Nicoll, Office of the Governor, 617-725-4025 Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today joined MassDevelopment President/CEO Bob Culver, Devens Development, LLC President Robert Walker and elected officials to officially open Devens Common, a 27-acre, $40 million, mixed-use business services complex located in the center of Devens. "In addition to creating new jobs in north central Massachusetts, Devens Common adds a critical dimension to a nationally acclaimed redevelopment effort that has transformed a former military base into a thriving business and residential community," said Healey. Located at the intersection of Pine and MacArthur Streets, Devens Common is a pedestrian-friendly complex designed to serve as a commercial center, catering to those who work, visit or live in Devens and the surrounding region. "Devens Common represents another milestone in the rebirth of Devens," said MassDevelopment's Bob Culver. "By bringing the public and private sectors together, we have been able to leverage tens of millions in private investment to create a new economic engine for the region." Devens Development, LLC was chosen to develop the project in a public bidding competition two years ago. "I'm proud to participate in the development of a thriving business community in Devens," said Walker of Devens Development, LLC. "The goal was to create a 'downtown' for the Devens community and a place where visitors and area residents can do business. We're well on our way." Phase one of the project is complete and includes a 121-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel; Devens Common Center, a 28,000 square foot conference center and banquet facility; The Devens Grill, a full-service restaurant; a North Middlesex Savings Bank office and drive-through; a Hanscom Federal Credit Union branch; The Pizza Fort; a Dunkin' Donuts shop; Family Fun Spot Arcade, dry cleaner; car wash; gas station and MassDevelopment's new 20,000 square foot administration building. Phase two will add an additional 150,000 square feet of office and commercial space. In all, the project will create 150 new jobs for the region and employ another 300 during construction. Devens, a former U.S. Army base, closed in 1996 resulting in the loss of 2,800 civilian jobs and more than 9,000 military personnel in the region. Chosen to redevelop the 4,400-acre property bordered by the towns of Ayer, Harvard, Shirley and Lancaster, MassDevelopment has overseen the implementation of a comprehensive 40-year reuse plan. Named 2005 "Community of the Year" by NAID/An Association of Defense Communities, Devens is now home to 105 families and more than 75 businesses employing more than 3,100 with a combined annual payroll in excess of $130 million. Talks with area communities are underway to determine Devens' permanent governance. MassDevelopment, the state's finance and development authority, works with businesses, financial institutions and local officials to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. In fiscal year 2005, MassDevelopment financed or managed 158 projects statewide representing an investment of nearly $1.9 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are supporting the creation of 2,769 housing units and more than 9,800 jobs: 4,702 permanent and 5,100 in construction. Devens Development, LLC is a limited liability company based in Westford, MA. Incorporated in 1996, it is part of a four-company corporate group that controls more than 700,000 square feet of office, hotel, industrial and R&D space. In addition to Devens Common, projects include Primrose Park in Westford, a $24 million, 225,000 square foot mixed-use commercial development.
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