Old Brockton department store could be transformed into affordable units with killer views

Chris Helms, The Enterprise
·3 min read

BROCKTON — The old Kennedy's Department Store would be brought back to its former glory in a plan that just won major state and federal investment.

The 132-142 Main St. building where generations of Brocktonians bought their Scout uniforms would become 30 apartments atop 3,500 square feet of first-floor commercial space.

After COVID emptied offices in downtowns nationwide, there's been a lot of talk about turning those spaces into apartments.

Actual projects? Not so much until recently.

This project would be among the first "office-to-residential" conversions in the state, according to Dave Traggorth of Causeway Development.

"The building had very low office occupancy before COVID due to deferred maintenance and older systems, but was completely emptied during COVID," Traggorth said. "We purchased during COVID with the vision to transform [it] into residential."

How much will rent be?

Twenty of the apartments will be rented at what the government considers "affordable" rates, according to June 20 announcement from Gov. Maura Healey. The building will have a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom units, according to Rob May, Brockton's director of planning and development. Ten of the units will be "deeply affordable." To be eligible to rent those units, a family would need to make no more than 30% of the typical income around Brockton. Right now that's $732 a month for a 1-bedroom and $878 for a 2-bedroom. Rents may be different when the renovation is completed.

When would tenants move in?

Traggorth said he hopes to start construction in early 2025 and be done within 14 months.

The project won nearly $5 million in tax credits and subsidies in this year's round of affordable housing grants.

1964 Stanley Bauman photo of the Kennedy Store at 142 Main St. in Brockton. Original caption read: "Hails New Main St. Lighting: Councilor Arthur M. Crowe, lower right, notes increase in brightness as new Main Street street fixtures are used for first time Thursday night; April 9, 1964."
1964 Stanley Bauman photo of the Kennedy Store at 142 Main St. in Brockton. Original caption read: "Hails New Main St. Lighting: Councilor Arthur M. Crowe, lower right, notes increase in brightness as new Main Street street fixtures are used for first time Thursday night; April 9, 1964."

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A return to splendor?

Kennedy's was among the most well-known stores in Brockton. Its brightly lit window displays combined with lights from other thriving businesses like Kresge's, Fraser's and Woolworth's to keep downtown bustling into the nights.

The plan is to remove non-historical elements on the outside of the building.

"The Classical Revival style commercial building, designed by the prominent Providence-based architectural firm of Martin & Hall, was constructed in 1917 as a store for the Kennedy Clothing Company," May said. "The building played a prominent role in Brockton’s civic and commercial development during a period of population growth and economic expansion in the early 20th century."

Inside, it will be a different story, the developer said.

"The interior renovation will preserve historic elements such as beautiful, detailed woodwork, tin ceilings and stairwells but replace everything else to create a modern, all-electric, energy-efficient building," Traggorth said, noting the building's gorgeous views of City Hall.

Brockton's seat of government is itself under a $12.5 million renovation. The first floor will be rebuilt using the original 1917 blueprints, May said.

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The Kennedy Building in downtown Brockton on Main Street on Monday, June 24, 2024.
The Kennedy Building in downtown Brockton on Main Street on Monday, June 24, 2024.

What businesses will go there?

Elvera's Cafe, a popular gourmet coffee shop, is a current tenant. Traggorth said he'd love to see the cafe stay. "We will have one or two other spaces (depending on what size the future tenant may need) and hope to find local businesses that will complement Brockton Beer and Elvera's," he said.

How is the project being paid for?

The renovation of the old Kennedy's Department Store building is being made possible with help from the following programs:

  • Federal 9% low-income tax credit: $500,000

  • State low-income tax credit: $1,450,000

  • State subsidy: $3,000,000

Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

Wondering about a vacant building, construction site or other sign of change in or near Brockton? I’m veteran local reporter Chris Helms and I’ll help you find out. Email your questions and tips to CHelms@enterprisenews.com or connect on X at @HelmsNews.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton office building to be reborn as affordable apartments. Rents?