Day: March 14, 2025

Dietz & Company Architects Welcomes Three New Employees

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced the recent addition of three new employees to the firm.

Norell Ferguson

Norell Ferguson has joined Dietz & Company as an interior designer and is excited to explore hospitality design and dive deeper into housing and community-based projects. She comes to Dietz with more than 10 years of experience in interior design and urban planning and policy from her work at architecture firms and with local and regional governments.

In addition, Ferguson is an adjunct professor at the University of Hartford and University of New Haven, where she teaches architecture, lighting, and interior-design courses. She holds a master’s degree in interior architecture from Philadelphia University and a bachelor’s degree in art history with a minor in architecture from the University of Hartford. She also earned a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Connecticut.

Ethan Cattanach

Ethan Cattanach joins the firm in the role of architectural staff. He specializes in utilizing BIM programs and their integration into the project workflow and most recently used those skills while working for another local architecture firm with a focus on commercial manufacturing and retail. In his role at Dietz, he will be helping to manage local projects and developing project documents and detailed 3D models.

Cattanach holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from UMass Amherst and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in architecture at the Boston Architectural College.

Maryam Javanmard

Maryam Javanmard also joins the firm in the role of architectural staff, bringing more than 15 years of experience as an architect and construction manager and specializing in sustainability and regenerative design. At Dietz, she will be assisting on projects throughout all phases of design. She has an impressive academic background, with two PhDs in architecture and a master’s degree in structural engineering from universities in Italy and Iran. A certified architect in Iran, she is currently pursuing professional architecture licensure in the U.S.

In addition to her work as an architect, Javanmard worked as a professor, teaching courses in architecture, sustainable design, and visual arts at Zarand Industrial and Mining College and the University of Applied Science and Technology in Iran. Most recently, she worked for a Boston architecture firm and continued to expand her expertise in life-cycle assessment and sustainable design as a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellow at Northeastern University. She is also currently a lecturer at Roxbury Community College, teaching classes on architecture and sustainability.

Dulye Leadership Experience Offers Chance to ‘Get Unstuck and Start Moving Forward’

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Got goals? Lost momentum? Get unstuck with the help of an accountability partner by attending the Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE) in-person meetup on Monday, April 7 in downtown Pittsfield.

“Get Unstuck and Start Moving Forward” is the theme of this interactive program, which will help attendees gain new perspectives and approaches to identify what’s stopping them from achieving an important goal; take small, actionable steps to make changes; and keep progress going.

There is no fee to attend, but registration is required by clicking here. The program runs from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. at the DLE office, 100 North St., Suite 402, Pittsfield.

DLE meetups are designed to grow who and what attendees know in a fun and supportive environment. The program features breakouts and group discussions for meeting professionals from diverse companies and organizations.

Paragus IT to Host Recycling Drive on April 22 to Benefit Dakin Humane Society

By
Daily News

HADLEY — Earth Day is right around the corner. For individuals and companies looking to get rid of their old computer equipment and do some good, Paragus IT is hosting a technology recycling drive to promote sustainability on Earth Day to benefit Dakin Humane Society.

“This is our fourth time doing this drive,” Paragus Marketing Manager Mary Seabury said. “It’s a great opportunity for local businesses and individuals to recycle their old technology while doing our part to protect our planet and its creatures.”

On Tuesday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., those looking to recycle old, unwanted computers, laptops, printers, and other equipment can drop them off at Paragus, 122 Russell St., Hadley. Paragus will prepare them for reuse or make sure they’re properly disposed of. In exchange, they will collect $5 per piece of equipment, all of which will benefit Dakin Humane Society. Some items may have additional fees. More details about those items — and other information about the recycling drive — can be found at paragusit.com/earthday.

BFAIR Promotes Katrina Cardillo to Senior Director of Marketing and Public Relations

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — BFAIR (Berkshire Family & Individual Resources) announced the promotion of Katrina Cardillo to senior director of Marketing and Public Relations. In her new role, she will not only continue to lead marketing and PR initiatives, but also play an important role in advancing BFAIR’s fundraising activities.

Cardillo brings a wealth of experience in marketing, management, and community engagement to her expanded responsibilities. Since joining BFAIR, she has been instrumental in amplifying the organization’s mission to support individuals with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and autism. Her innovative strategies and leadership have significantly contributed to brand awareness and community outreach.

“Katrina’s exceptional dedication, creativity, and strategic vision have made a profound impact on our organization,” said Rich Weisenflue, CEO at BFAIR. “Her expanded role will enhance our fundraising efforts, enabling us to support even more individuals and families in need.”

Cardillo’s career began with @utoRevenue, where she quickly ascended to the management team and contributed to the company’s marketing and operational strategies. Following an acquisition by Dominion Enterprises, she transitioned to the corporate marketing team within the Dominion Dealer Solutions automotive division, overseeing marketing initiatives for multiple business units.

After her tenure in the corporate world, Cardillo shifted her focus to the human-service sector. Over the past 12 years, she has been dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations in Berkshire County. She holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Bus Tour Revives Tradition, Puts Libraries in Spotlight

By
From left, Rachel Gravel, Marilyn Sutin, Jeanne Fontaine, and Erica Swallow at the bust of Andrew Carnegie inside Springfield Central Library.
Features

Pages of the Past

The original Springfield Library

The original Springfield Library has been lost to history, but the planned bus tour is designed to generate appreciation for the libraries still standing.

 

Kate Benson says she doesn’t know why the original Springfield Library, opened in 1871, was eventually torn down.

The impressive, Gothic-style structure was only 40 years old when its replacement, the central library that still stands on State Street today, was opened, she said, adding that it was moved a few hundred yards to make way for the new library and serve the city while it was being built. And, in theory, it could have been moved again to another location

“We don’t really know why it came down — and there’s no real record of why,” said Benson, a special-education team chair in Chicopee by day, and also a member of the Springfield Preservation Trust (SPT) and self-described “history addict,” adding that it doesn’t really matter why the landmark was demolished. What does matter is that a piece of the city’s past and an architectural treasure can now be seen only in grainy photos and color postcards, which were very popular in the day.

It is a desire to enable the public to fully appreciate similar structures — and to perhaps ensure that they don’t suffer the same fate as the original library — that has prompted the SPT and several partnering organizations to come together to create a bus tour (set for Saturday, April 12, with Benson as the tour guide) of the central library and several branches, including four structures known simply as the Carnegie libraries.

These are the central library, the Forest Park branch, the Indian Orchard branch, and the former Memorial Square branch, now the Greek Cultural Center — four of the 2,509 libraries built between 1883 and 1929 with money donated by Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Built in the early 1900s, those four libraries, and the others on the tour, are blasts from the past that can still be enjoyed today. And so, in many respects, is this bus tour, called “Pages of the Past,” said Erica Swallow, president of the SPT.

“The library went from being a membership-only establishment to being open to the public, open to the community. To have four of those buildings in Springfield that really symbolized access to knowledge, and access to betterment, is really special.”

Indeed, the once-annual Bus Tour of Historic Springfield, a partnership between the SPT and Peter Pan Bus Lines, is back after a nearly 30-year hiatus, and with many goals in mind, said Swallow, adding that this endeavor is a collaboration between several groups, including the SPT, the Springfield Museums, the Springfield City Library, and Peter Pan.

As for goals, she listed everything from showcasing those libraries to cultivating the next generation of preservationists in Springfield.

“The trust has been trying to bring in the next generation of preservationists,” Swallow explained, adding that new programs like the libraries tour, as well as existing initiatives such as house tours and walking tours (more on them later), are effective ways to bring people into Springfield’s past, while also celebrating the present and getting them involved.

Danielle Veronesi, senior director of Marketing at Peter Pan Bus Lines, who was approached by Swallow about resurrecting the bus tour, agreed, noting that Peter Pan, which has a lengthy history in Springfield and this region, is enthusiastic about its role in the partnership presenting the tour.

Springfield’s Central Library will be among the highlights of the bus tour.

Springfield’s Central Library will be among the highlights of the bus tour.

“We’re proud to be part of Springfield history, and also proud of the role we’ve played in enabling others to learn that history and better appreciate the city and many of its architectural landmarks,” she told BusinessWest. “That’s why we wanted Peter Pan to be a partner in this initiative.”

 

Chapter and Verse

Rachel Gravel, manager of Adult & Youth Information for the Springfield Libraries, said the building of the Carnegie libraries represented a major shift in how libraries were perceived — and used by the public.

“The library went from being a membership-only establishment to being open to the public, open to the community,” she said, noting that, until that time, most libraries, including Springfield’s, were private. “To have four of those buildings in Springfield that really symbolized access to knowledge, and access to betterment, is really special.”

This shift will be among the many talking points on the tour, said Swallow, adding that the program is designed to provide insight into Springfield’s most historically and architecturally significant libraries, offering a glimpse into their storied pasts and lasting impact on the city’s cultural and educational landscape.

Benson agreed, noting that her research into the libraries that will be showcased on tour — seven in all, including the four Carnegie libraries — has been an intriguing and rewarding experience.

“I was unaware that we had Carnegie libraries, and I have a minor obsession with Carnegie libraries in New York City because they had hidden apartments, which, unfortunately, the Springfield ones don’t, because they were not 24-hour libraries, like New York’s,” she explained. “It was interesting to do the research to figure out how they made the decisions to create branch libraries, who got one first, and how they funded it — and also how they took the original Springfield Library, which was a private library, and made it something that was open to the public; it’s an incredibly interesting history.”

Jeanne Fontaine, travel coordinator for Springfield Museums, a partner on many SPT initiatives, agreed, noting that the upcoming bus tour dovetails effectively with the Springfield Museums’ own program of monthly day trips to other museums and destinations, such as the Newport Flower Show and the Metropolitan Opera.

From left, Rachel Gravel, Marilyn Sutin, Jeanne Fontaine, and Erica Swallow at the bust of Andrew Carnegie inside Springfield Central Library.

From left, Rachel Gravel, Marilyn Sutin, Jeanne Fontaine, and Erica Swallow at the bust of Andrew Carnegie inside Springfield Central Library.

The most recent such trip was to the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, where visitors can explore the nation’s conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to today.

Swallow said the bus tour is another initiative undertaken by the SPT to bring attention to city landmarks and encourage preservation of sites with historic or architectural significance, or both.

Others include its popular Second Saturday Walking Tours, which originate at the Museums and focus on the downtown area, an annual walking tour of Springfield Cemetery, and a winter lecture series.

There’s also the annual Historic Homes Tour. Previously a bus tour that took participants to different corners of the city, it is now a walking tour focused annually on a specific neighborhood; this year it will be McKnight, said Swallow, adding that the homes tour is how many long-time SPT members first became engaged with the organization.

 

History Lessons

That was the case with Marilyn Sutin, who first went on the tour in 1979, became heavily involved with the Springfield Preservation Trust, and is still volunteering for the group 45 years later.

Like Swallow, she said the libraries tour is another way to bring Springfield’s past into the present and encourage others to get involved in preservation efforts.

Tickets for the bus tour can be purchased on Eventbrite; the cost is $20 for SPT and Springfield Museums members, and $25 for non-members. All proceeds go toward the trust’s mission of historic preservation in Springfield.

Emma deVillier Creates Memories Through Event Planning

By
Emma deVillier says the small details of an event add up to big impact.
Women in Businesss

Something to Celebrate

Emma deVillier says the small details of an event add up to big impact.

Emma deVillier says the small details of an event add up to big impact.

Emma deVillier has been around the hospitality industry for a long time, starting at age 14 working at a country club, first busing tables, then as a beer-cart girl, then as a waitress.

“I was always learning the steps of hospitality, treating people how they should be treated. The service industry is a tough industry, but I always loved it,” she told BusinessWest.

“I grew up in a family with my mom setting up all of our birthday parties at home, and I always added my two cents: ‘no, we’re going to set up this way.’ I grew up going to my grandma’s house and seeing her set up the tables, and they looked like they were coming from Homes & Gardens magazine. So setting up was always super important to me.

“Then, as I evolved and started doing more banquets and weddings at the country club where I worked, I was always trying to add my two cents and my touches, and the members there started recognizing my talents,” she went on. “I never thought I was that good, but one day, a member asked me to plan her daughter’s baby shower.”

“My number-one goal is to make sure that my clients are creating memories and feeling that all their needs are being taken care of, and that, at the end of the day, every guest involved is going to enjoy their time and look back on it and say, ‘wow, that was amazing.’”

Not long after, she was opening her own business, called deVillier Designs.

“My company specializes in creating memorable experiences,” she said. “It doesn’t really matter how big or small the event — my number-one goal is to make sure that my clients are creating memories and feeling that all their needs are being taken care of, and that, at the end of the day, every guest involved is going to enjoy their time and look back on it and say, ‘wow, that was amazing.’”

In the six years since deVillier launched the company at age 19, she has grown it into a well-known name on Greater Springfield’s event-planning scene, not just for private clients planning weddings and showers, but some major companies as well.

For example, a few years ago, she planned the Howdy Awards at the MassMutual Center, an event presented by the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau to recognize top performers in the hospitality sector.

“That was a huge opportunity for me because not only am I in the hospitality industry, but I was also recognizing all of the top people in the hospitality industry,” she said. “Since it was the 25th anniversary, they gave me a little bit of leniency with running with my own ideas. So we did a Great Gatsby theme, which was so much fun. It was a lot of work, but looking back, that was probably one of my favorite events, just because it was a whole different kind of event for me to plan.”

She also handles all events for MGM Springfield; has planned corporate events at Springfield Country Club, the MassMutual Center, and a host of other major area venues; and has a long-running relationship with Naples Realty Group.

“They plan a corporate event every single year, and it’s gotten bigger and bigger every year,” deVillier explained. “They call it their Naples Summit, and that recognizes not only their successes, but other Realtors in the area, and just brings everyone together. They’re one of my favorite companies to work with. That event is always so much fun to plan.”

Emma deVillier has handled events for many notable businesses, including this one for Naples Realty Group.

Emma deVillier has handled events for many notable businesses, including this one for Naples Realty Group.

Whatever the event, she added, “the goal has always been to do things the right way the first time. That’s the mantra I live by, and I make sure my clients are always feeling that way.”

 

All in the Details

The first meeting with a client, either in person or over Zoom, typically hashes out big-picture details like budget, venue, and type of event.

“If they don’t have a theme or specific ideas in mind or don’t even know what goes into planning an event, I’ll walk them through all of those steps,” deVillier said. “People think an event is pretty simple to put together, but it’s not. Obviously, there are many, many factors that come into play, so I’ll help them through picking out all of those factors, and then I’ll create a custom vision board with them, just to pull everything together.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m almost too much for my clients because I love to be so involved with them,” she added, “but I want them to always feel that I’m going to hold their hand through the entire process, and they’re never going to be alone.”

That hand-holding especially applies when a client gets anxious about some detail — not an uncommon occurrence.

“A minor thing can come up, and it kind of triggers them a little bit, but it’s my job, at the end of the day, to be like, ‘listen, it’s going to be OK.’ Like the weather, for example. I’ve had several close calls with clients, and it’s like, ‘listen, you can’t control the weather, you can’t control the little things, you can only control the bigger picture.’ It’s my job, obviously, to help them get through that.”

That doesn’t mean she’s not human, of course. “Deep down, I’m thinking, ‘oh God, what are we going to do?’ But I can never show that because my client trusted me and hired me, so I need to be there to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch.”

“There’s no better feeling than taking a step back right before the event’s about to start, and you’re just like, ‘wow, we did this.’”

Sometimes a client will come in with a distinct vision, and other times deVillier will have more leeway in guiding the process.

“Some come to me, and they’re like, ‘listen, I want a baby shower. You figure out a theme and run with it.’ Those are really fun because I get to use my creative ideas,” she said. “But then I obviously love the clients that have a strong vision because we can collaborate and work together. That’s the best of both worlds. I love both parts of it, but at the end of the day, I’m always going to put my creative spin on it to make it better than they could have thought.”

A successful event is all in the details, she added.

“With an event, you have the theme, and that’s great, but you have to master and bring in every component of the event to make it make sense. For example, dessert tables are my favorite thing to set up at an event. And those are colored — they’re themed to the overall aesthetic. My cocktail napkins match the aesthetic. I think it’s the little details that make people say, ‘wow, I never would have thought to do that,’ but it makes everything make more sense.”

deVillier calls herself a perfectionist, which can be personally challenging when she has to let go and let her team take charge, especially as she expands her footprint to the Boston, Cape Cod, and Newport, R.I. areas.

“Some days, I have events where one’s in Boston and one’s in Springfield. And I can’t spread myself too thin, so I have to trust my team back home and be like, ‘listen, you have to handle this. I’m just a phone call away.’ That’s probably my biggest challenge, just because I have a hard time letting go.”

 

Positive Influences

deVillier isn’t surprised she wound up succeeding in a competitive event-planning industry, considering all her influences and how far back they go.

“I admire so many people in this industry. When I was a little girl, I would watch Martha Stewart, and I would watch all the wedding shows. I’ve always been super into it, and I’ve just admired people who do this work,” she said. “There are so many talented people that I look up to, and I’ve studied their work, and I’m like, ‘OK, how can I do better?’

“It is very challenging, but I think, in this area, I’ve made a name for myself, not just through my work, but also how I present myself. I think you have to be a good person. At the end of the day, your clients always must come first. So I think having those core values not only makes my company stronger, but also gives my clients trust in me, which I think is super important in owning a company.”

She also appreciates how every day is different, and that she gets to meet many different vendors and clients.

“Overall, it’s a very happy industry to be in. We’re celebrating life’s most precious moments, whether it be a wedding or a company success or a new baby on the way. It’s just a very happy company, which makes my life a lot better.

“I’m very lucky to have flourished into where I am now, but there’s always room for growth,” deVillier said, adding that there’s also room for gratitude. “There’s no better feeling than taking a step back right before the event’s about to start, and you’re just like, ‘wow, we did this.’”

Take These Essential Steps to Secure Your Retirement

By Contributor
Wealth Management

Planning for the Future

By Andrew R. Beaudry, CFP and Ryan T. Cummings, CFP

 

Is your retirement savings on track?

If you’re like most people, you may feel it’s not. In fact, concerns about running out of money in retirement are very common.

Andrew R. Beaudry

Andrew R. Beaudry

Ryan T. Cummings

Ryan T. Cummings

Many people today believe they’ll need at least $1.5 million saved to retire comfortably. But is that number right for you? The real ‘magic number’ varies widely depending on your current savings, future goals, and lifestyle plans.

A clearer picture of retirement readiness starts with understanding some general rules of thumb, strategies for calculating your personal magic number, and practical tips to help build a reliable nest egg for your future.

 

Five Retirement-savings Milestones

Setting retirement-savings milestones can help you determine what to save monthly and annually to stay on track. While these targets may vary, here are some helpful benchmarks to consider.

Age 30 = your salary. By age 30, aim to save at least one year’s worth of your salary for retirement. Hitting this goal allows you to start benefiting from the power of compound growth.

Age 40 = three times your salary. Though expenses may grow as families do, keeping pace with retirement-savings goals may mean saving at least three times your salary by roughly age 40.

“Are you dreaming of frequent travel, a quiet life filled with hobbies, or something in between? The more you can clarify your lifestyle goals, the better you’ll understand the financial resources you’ll need to enjoy your future comfortably.”

Age 50 = six times your salary. As you get closer to retiring, look at ways to pay down debt to enter retirement with minimal liabilities and maximize retirement contributions to reach about six times your salary by age 50.

Age 60 = eight times your salary. As you approach retirement, think about how and when you might transition to retirement and whether a part-time role could be part of your plan, while aiming to have at least eight times your salary saved by age 60.

Age 67 (average retirement age) = 10 times your salary. If you plan to retire around age 67, which is the full retirement age for Social Security benefits, aim for about 10 times your annual salary. For instance, a salary of $100,000 would suggest a target of $1 million by retirement.

Keep in mind that these recommendations provide broad estimates for guidance and tracking progress. As you gain experience and your salary grows, these milestones may shift as your income changes. These benchmarks may not fit everyone’s personal retirement plans and should be adapted to individual goals.

 

Five Factors That Impact Savings Goals

While general savings milestones provide helpful guidelines, personal factors can greatly influence your actual retirement needs. Here are five key considerations to help you define your unique retirement target:

When do you want to retire? What age do you envision for retirement? Deciding when to retire can dramatically affect how much you’ll need, especially if you plan to stop working before becoming eligible for full Social Security benefits.

What lifestyle do you want in retirement? Are you dreaming of frequent travel, a quiet life filled with hobbies, or something in between? The more you can clarify your lifestyle goals, the better you’ll understand the financial resources you’ll need to enjoy your future comfortably.

Where will you live? Do you plan to stay put, downsize, or relocate? Your choice of location impacts cost of living, taxes, and potential housing expenses, including maintenance if you own a home. These variables can influence how much you should save.

Will you retire with debt? Are there ways to limit the debt you’ll retire with? Ideally, entering retirement with minimal or no debt allows more flexibility with your income. The more debt you carry, the more challenging it may be to cover expenses comfortably in retirement.

What about healthcare when you retire? Healthcare and long-term care can be significant expenses. The average retiree may need upwards of $157,000 for healthcare alone, and those costs typically rise with age and inflation.

While these may not be the only factors to consider, they’re valuable starting points for refining your magic number and setting a solid foundation for retirement planning.

 

Seven Actionable Ideas for Retirement Savings

Reaching your retirement goals often requires more than knowing general milestones or understanding personal factors. Here are seven tips to help you stay on course and save strategically.

Start saving early and maximize compound growth. The earlier you start saving, the more time your investments will have to grow. Even small contributions early on can balloon over time.

Maximize employer contributions. If your employer offers a match on your 401(k) or another retirement plan, aim to contribute enough to capture the full match. It’s essentially free money for your retirement.

Set aside a percentage of your salary. Commit a portion of your salary directly to retirement savings — ideally, around 15% of your annual income, including any employer match. Hitting this target can keep you on track toward long-term goals.

Diversify your investments. Balance your portfolio with a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets. Diversification can better insulate your retirement savings from volatility, especially as you get closer to retiring.

Reassess and adjust savings regularly. As life changes, you may need to reassess your savings plan and retirement contributions. That’s why it’s important to regularly revisit your retirement-savings strategies to make sure they still work for you and are the best options for achieving your objectives.

Plan for unexpected expenses. Life is full of surprises. Setting up an emergency fund can help you deal with any unexpected expenses, so you don’t have to dip into your retirement savings prematurely.

Keep track of your retirement income sources. Estimate your monthly retirement income from Social Security, pensions, and personal savings. Then, compare this with projected monthly expenses in retirement to see if your income will meet your needs. This will give you a clearer picture of your future financial landscape.

 

Next Steps for Achieving Your Ideal Retirement

Building the retirement you envision takes careful planning and a steady commitment to saving. It requires understanding how retirement savings work, clarifying your goals, and adopting smart strategies to secure your future.

The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Partnering with an experienced financial professional can provide valuable guidance, helping you discover effective strategies tailored to your unique retirement goals.

 

Andrew R. Beaudry is the registered principal, and Ryan T. Cummings is a financial advisor, at Private Financial Design, LLC in South Hadley.

Country Bank Strengthens Its Presence in Springfield

By
Mary McGovern says the location at 1350 Main St. gives Country Bank great visibility in downtown Springfield.
Commercial Real Estate

Down on Main Street

Mary McGovern says the location at 1350 Main St. gives Country Bank great visibility in downtown Springfield.

Mary McGovern says the location at 1350 Main St. gives Country Bank great visibility in downtown Springfield.

 

Mary McGovern says Country Bank has been looking to create a stronger presence in downtown Springfield for at least five years now.

The institution, which has a lending office on the 17th floor of Tower Square, has considered several sites for a banking center with strong visibility, she said, including the space in Monarch Place that would eventually become home to the corporate offices of New Valley Bank.

“We were looking strongly at that site, but we were beaten out for it,” she said, adding that other players were as well.

Undeterred, the Ware-based bank kept looking in Springfield while shifting its immediate focus to Worcester and establishing a stronger presence there (Country now has three locations in that city), said McGovern, the bank’s president. But the search in Springfield entered a new phase late last year with a call from Evan Plotkin, co-owner of the 1350 Main St. tower.

That call concerned the long-vacant space last occupied by Santander Bank, and … fast-forwarding a little, this large space will soon be sporting a Country Bank sign.

The bank’s move into that large, ground-floor location, likely to happen in the third quarter of this year after a comprehensive build-out, will give Country a much more visible presence downtown and, by that time, its second banking center in the western part of Hampden County. Indeed, the bank is finalizing a lease on a space in Longmeadow close to the Enfield line, said McGovern, adding that expansion in this region has emerged as one of the bank’s key strategic initiatives.

“We’ve been focused on branching out both in the Worcester area and in Springfield. Overall, 2024 was more eastern-focused, and in 2025, we’ll be focusing more on our western market.”

“We’ve been focused on branching out both in the Worcester area and in Springfield,” she said. “Overall, 2024 was more eastern-focused, and in 2025, we’ll be focusing more on our western market.”

As for the location in 1350 Main St., it continues a strong comeback for that property, which has seen many of its long-vacant spaces absorbed in the past 24 months, while it also continues a movement by the banking sector into the central business district; in addition to New Valley, Chase recently established a branch on the ground floor of 1391 Main, known to most as Harrison Place.

Plotkin, president of NAI Plotkin as well as co-owner of 1350 Main, said the space being taken by Country has been vacant for about a dozen years now. Over that span (most of which the first five floors were owned by a separate party; Plotkin and partners gained control in 2023), there has been interest of varying degrees from a broad range of businesses.

White Lion Brewing Co. took a long look at the space before eventually settling on a site in Tower Square, he noted, adding that a few restaurants and retailers have looked at it as well.

Banks … not so much, said Plotkin, adding that Country apparently sees what others haven’t, and that is an emerging corner, if you will, in downtown Springfield, with the MassMutual Center diagonally across Main Street, a new parking garage behind that, a revitalized Court Square across Court Street, and the new apartments at 31 Elm St. just beyond the park.

Mary McGovern and Evan Plotkin

Mary McGovern and Evan Plotkin say 1350 Main St. is an emerging corner in downtown Springfield.

“That’s one of the best corners in the city,” he told BusinessWest. “It’s next to City Hall, it’s across from the MassMutual Center … it’s where the life and the heart of the city is. The center of gravity has moved to this block.”

Plotkin categorized Country’s arrival as a win-win. It’s a win for the bank, which gains a highly visible location in the city, and it’s a win for all those at 1350 Main, because a long-dark space will see the lights go back on again.

“To have a dark space on the ground floor of a building of this stature is an impediment, if not from an economic basis, but from a visibility standpoint,” Plotkin said. “To have the lights on in there, with the activity of a bank, transacting business, changes the building quite a bit.”

Like most other downtown bank branches, the location lacks parking and a drive-thru lane, but it will be convenient for people working or doing other business in that area, and will provide additional support for the bank’s many customers in the Greater Springfield and Northern Connecticut markets, said McGovern, adding that, while most banking customers visit a branch infrequently, some, including small-business owners and mortgage customers, prefer that level of service.

“To have the lights on in there, with the activity of a bank, transacting business, changes the building quite a bit.”

As noted, the space at 1350 Main is large, around 4,000 square feet, much larger than most branches being built or moved into today. She noted that one portion of the space will be devoted to the banking center, with the rest put to other uses, such as hoteling other bank employees doing business in Springfield or attending events there.

Meanwhile, the location will give Country much greater visibility in the 413’s largest city, an important consideration in ongoing efforts to grow the institution and build its brand.

“Some people know we’re in Tower Square, but sometimes it feels that not many people know because there isn’t a sign at street level,” McGovern said. “There’s nothing like a sign on a banking center to let people know you’re there.”

—George O’Brien