This article was originally published on MassLive.com
By Hope Tremblay
WESTFIELD – The Westfield Redevelopment Authority is considering which conceptual design for the urban renewal project on Elm Street would be the best fit for the city.
The WRA hopes the empty lot that spans the block from the Church Street Commons building to the corner of Arnold Street will become a mixed-use space incorporating restaurants, retail and apartments.
The location is the site of the former J.J. Newberry’s department store and other retail shops and apartments. The store burned down in 1986.
City Advancement Officer Joe Mitchell and WRA Chairwoman Kathy Witalisz offered a presentation of the conceptual designs, which range from a buildings with 42 to 59 residential units with between four and seven retail spaces, during the WRA meeting Tuesday.