SEPTEMBER DOWNTOWN DIGEST
Walk This Way:
New Directional Decals and BID Banners
Downtown Decals
Navigating Downtown Worcester just got a lot more intuitive. From monuments to murals and restaurants to retail, new map-pin-shaped sidewalk decals are leading visitors in all the right directions. This initiative marks the final component of the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement Districts (BID) 2022 tactical wayfinding project, featuring 50+ sidewalk and storefront decals directing pedestrians to local destinations by way of QR codes. As you journey around Downtown, be sure to also look up—where you’ll find the installation of 88 banners highlighting area attractions on light poles lining the streets.
Downtown Dining News
A Bakery Trifecta: Brew × BirchTree × Bean Counter
Supporting local businesses starts with your very first sip of the day. Downtown Worcester’s Brew on the Grid is targeting early birds with a 6 a.m. weekday opening and notable menu revamp. A trifecta of local shops—Brew on the Grid, BirchTree Bread Co., and Bean Counter Bakery—combines forces to expand Brew’s menu with pastries, sandwiches, various toasts, and more. And with a new rewards program set in place, where each dollar spent earns you a point (double points during certain times) Brew customers have nothing to lose . . . except their hunger, that is. 
An Even Sweeter Main Street
La Central Bakery & Café will soon grace 422 Main Street, just steps from The Mercantile and DCU Center, filling a long-vacant storefront Downtown. The bakery will offer authentically made Puerto Rican and Mexican breads and sweets, as well as a variety of sandwiches.
A Warm Welcome to a Chilly Treat
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream opens a new, larger retail locale at 44 Front Street, after debuting in 2020 at a vendor space at Worcester Public Market. 
The Denholm: History and an Appreciation
Denholm Building (Image via Spectrum News 1)
The Worcester Redevelopment Authority voted in August to buy the historic Denholm building, the original and beloved site of the Denholm & McKay department store.

Photo Credit: Spectrum News 1
Founded as a dry goods store (located up the street in the 1870s), founders Denholm and McKay quickly needed a larger space for their operation, which pushed the pair to this prominent location—a building constructed by Clark University Founder Jonas C. Clark. The building’s large scale allowed Denholm and McKay to expand into a department store, a revolutionary concept at the time. This positioned them to compete with any Boston area store, eventually leading to the nickname, “The Boston Store.” The business held strong for over 100 years before being purchased by another retailer. 

In recent years, the building has been home to a post office branch, several nonprofit organizations serving the community, a café, and a number of lawyers and accountants. Significant deferred maintenance issues hampered the organizations efforts to serve their clients and the building recently stood without electricity for more than a month. Authorizing a notable $3 million Purchase and Sale Agreement for the 484 Main Street property, the City says it will take bids from interested developers in the coming months. We hold a genuine appreciation and respect for this landmark building, standing at the core of Downtown retail activity—and hope that the building’s successor will contribute as significantly to the vibrancy of the City.
Recent Events Recap
September commenced in style with the final two Out to Lunch Festivals of the season on the Worcester Common Oval. Musical performances, local artists and crafters, area restaurants, farmers, community organizations, and nonprofits filled the space with joy and liveliness. Over 100 artists, nonprofit organizations, farms, and food vendors participated with six local main stage bands and dance groups performing for the community—including the likes of Whitney Doucet + the Sunshine Band as well as The Alchemystics.
The second annual Worcester Public Library Community Block Party brought with it activities, entertainment, vendors, books, kids programs, face painting, and food trucks galore. This exceptionally well-attended day was full of fun for every age at every stage. 

Photo Credit: Erika Sidor
Movie magic on Worcester Common commenced as moviegoers stepped into the magical world of Disney on September 1 at sundown, reveling in the music of Encanto and the story of whimsical family affairs. In August, the big screen featured Spider-Man: No Way Home. Both films were presented by the City of Worcester and the Downtown Worcester BID.
The Hanover Theatre and 90.5 WICN Public Radio, in collaboration with Downtown Worcester BID, presented Jazz at Sunset on August 19—featuring singer, songwriter, and sax player extraordinaire, Grace Kelly.

Kelly, who has previously remarked how live performance is one of her favorite things to do and that connecting with her audience is a special experience, proved just that at this lively experience for all concert-goers.

Photo Credit: Kofi Poku
Pride Worcester came back in full force this September with a celebratory week-long honoring of the LGBTQ+ community of Greater Worcester and beyond. Coordinated by the Queer Coalition of Greater Worcester, this initiative was, and continues to be, a steadfast collaborative effort toward building a robust LGBTQ+ network. From a Dance of the Decades at the Beyond Acceptance Youth Prom to fierce fashion at Queer AF: Fashion + Art, this celebration brought life, love, and color to every corner of the city. Downtown Worcester BID is proud to have been a co-sponsor of this exuberant event. 

Photo Credit: Erica Chick
October Events To Have on Your Radar
The Downtown Worcester BID, in partnership with the City of Worcester and Casita Cultura Latina, will be hosting Coco, a free, family-friendly Movie on The Common on Friday, October 14. The movie begins around 6:30 p.m. with activities for kids, as well as a food truck!
Casita Cultura Latina’s Día de los Muertos will be a community celebration on the Worcester Common Oval and at the JMAC on October 29. Sponsored in part by the BID, join in this tradition of honoring both the living and passed. 
Technocopia: Open Hack evenings are free, open-house-style events during which attendees utilize the Technocopia makerspace to work on their projects in a collaborative atmosphere. The sixth floor at 44 Portland Street is a hub for innovation, inspiring artisans, and makers in this unique environment. Creativity meets collaboration every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. 
More Local Events

Tootsie | September 29 to October 2
The Hanover Theatre 

Macbeth | September 29 to October 15
The BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center 

Movie & Mocktails: Hocus Pocus | October 1
Worcester Public Library 

SLASK TOUR — Around the World in 80 Minutes | October 4
The Hanover Theatre 

Saturday Family Movie | October 8
Worcester Public Library

Mean Girls | October 11-16
The Hanover Theatre 

Jazz Hamilton CARNEVALE | October 15
Mechanics Hall 

Peppa Pig’s Adventure | October 21
The Hanover Theatre 

Mania — The ABBA Tribute | October 29 
The Hanover Theatre 

Studio 44 | October 29 
by ArtsWorcester 

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