QCC Board Approves Expansion Location

Worcester, MA, January 30, 2013 – QCC is proud to announce its newest expansion to 20 Franklin Street in Worcester.  The Board of Trustees voted to approve the MA Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) recommendation to execute a lease of a new downtown location at a meeting on January 30.  When the lease is executed, DCAM will secure 72,409 square feet of instructional space for use by QCC in the former Telegram and Gazette Building in downtown Worcester.

The new location will allow QCC to relocate and expand its Health Care options, as well as offer expanded Workforce Development and Training, Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language programs. The new facility will support over 2,000 students and administrators.

State and Local Officials offered the following statements:

Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray:

"Our Gateway Cities, including Worcester, serve as anchors for regional economic growth.  Our Administration has a plan to help Worcester reach its full economic potential, and we're paving the way in the city's downtown district.  We have partnered with the Worcester Business Development Corporation to find a strong tenant for the former T&G building, and we're thrilled to open these doors for countless students at Quinsigamond Community College.  Along with the significant progress of CitySquare Development and the opening of Front Street, this lease presents more good news for downtown Worcester and surrounding communities in the region."

Carole Cornelison, Commissioner of MA Division of Capital Asset Management:

"The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) is excited to announce that Quinsigamond Community College has voted to enter into a lease agreement for the former Telegram & Gazette building at 20 Franklin Street. The Landlord will be New Garden Park, Inc. which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Worcester Business Development Corporation. This proposal will relocate and expand Quinsigamond Community College's health care and workforce development programs to downtown Worcester. The proposal is for roughly 70,000 square feet of office, classroom and lab space in the downtown area. The new Worcester campus will serve more than 2,000 students and employees. The Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to furthering our economic partnership with the city of Worcester. Quinsigamond Community College's new downtown presence will play a vital role in the revitalization of this Gateway City."

Stacey Duboise Luster, Chair of the QCC Board of Trustees:

“I am thrilled that QCC is expanding its vibrant educational programs into the revitalized downtown area. Our students will greatly benefit from being able to study in a centrally located state of the art educational facility, which provides easy access to public transportation.”

Dr. Gail E. Carberry, QCC President:
“We are proud to move forward with expansion to downtown Worcester. In addition to alleviating significant congestion on our West Boylston Street campus, our new location in the heart of Worcester will allow students to access valuable training in up-to-date labs.
Access to Med City, St. Vincent’s new Cancer Center, our transfer partner at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Sciences will enable us to create synergy for future strategic partnerships. Being located on multiple main bus routes, accessible to everyone, will enable us to broaden access to workforce development and training and adult basic education.
Students will also benefit by being in close proximity to an emerging and thriving downtown, having access to businesses and government agencies. We look forward to even greater collaboration with the medical community that provides necessary first class clinical education with our students.
The Franklin Street location will, within a short time add as many as 4,000 feet on the street, supporting local stores and restaurants. It’s all positive news for our students in terms of education, location, and their route to success.”

Craig L. Blais, President and CEO, WBDC:

“This is great news for Downtown Worcester.  We may be signing a lease; however we view this as the beginning of a long-term partnership between QCC and the WBDC.  This is about density, physical and programmatic connections and repopulating our downtown.”

For more information regarding this release: Call Josh Martin, Director of Institutional Communications at 508.854.7513.