The Podcast of The Worcester Business Development Corporation-Building Worcester Together: How QCC & WSU Drive City Development

On this edition of The Podcast of The Worcester Business Development Corporation, CEO Craig Blais speaks with Worcester State University President Barry Maloney and QCC President Luis Pedraja, about the contributions their institutions have made and continue to make to development in the city.

When colleges and universities get involved great things happen, said Blais. Blais said we sometimes forget about some of the key projects that happened in the city because of the support of QCC and WSU. He points to how historically these institutions played a big role in downtown and takes us behind the scenes of how the Hanover Theatre came to be. Blais said early on WSU came on to help guarantee the debt recognizing how students would be able to use the Hanover. WSU coming in early helped the WBDC go to other colleges and universities and get them on board. WSU President Barry Maloney said the Hanover Theatre was an example of his philosophy that Worcester State’s front door helps the front door of Worcester and vice versa.

Blais shared another example saying that without QCC there is no 20 Franklin St. The old Telegram and Gazette building is now alive with numerous projects. QCC anchored the project. QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja said that the idea behind a project like that is to bring students downtown. Too let them be close to the hospital where many are working, or being near the bus stop, all to help with the revitalization of the city.

Just two examples, of two major projects, that would not have happened without the aid of the colleges and universities.

Photo- Radio Worcester