Worcester Blackstone Visitor Center

The Rome Building - site of the proposed Worcester Blackstone Visitor Center - was significantly damaged by a three-alarm fire on March 22, 2010. As a result, the central, two-level portion of the structure was destroyed and the remaining north and south portions sustained heavy damage. State and local inspectors viewed the damage and recommended demolition of the remaining portions of the building due to public safety concerns.

The loss of the Rome Building is a significant setback.  The City spent more than one million dollars on design work and site preparation for the renovation of the Rome Building.  More than a thousand hours were spent at community discussions, design meetings, and on project management.  In addition, partners including the Worcester Historical Museum, Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor spent more than half a million dollars combined on this effort.  The destruction of the Rome Building destroys any value of that expense and work.

The City continues to explore its options for this site and the Worcester Blackstone Visitor Center.  We are meeting with our partners as well as the broader Worcester Blackstone Visitor Center Task Force to discuss alternatives.

Contact Person

Tim McGourthy, 508-799-1175, McGourthyT@worcesterma.gov