Worcester Loft Building To Double In Size Under Expansion Plan

WORCESTER, MA — The owner of a Main Street residential loft building is moving forward with expansion plans, which would more than double the number of units inside.

The developer behind Kettle Brook Lofts near the Leicester line opened the building more than a decade ago with 53 condominium units, intending to start a second phase later. The developer went to the Worcester Conservation Commission this week revealing plans to add another 58 units and expand parking from 99 to 183 spaces.

The Kettle Brook Lofts complex was created after a renovation of the former Ashworth and Jones factory. The building dates to the mid-19th Century, and was largely used for manufacturing clothing and textiles.

The complex straddles Kettle Brook, which drains into Stoneville Brook in Auburn. The conservation commission had to review the plans because work will take place within a protected zone along the brook. The commissioners unanimously approved the plans at Monday's meeting with conditions for the construction.

The developer told the commission the expansion could take up to two years to complete.