Holyoke, Massachusetts

5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 creative repurposing of old mills into residences. “We really think that that can be an attraction for people who want that urban living, but also want to be 15 minutes away from being able to walk around a reservoir and walk up the mountains,” relays Vega. “We are in this nice location where we have suburban style houses, some very rural areas, and an urban core.” Providing housing options for all demographics is a priority, especially as the city focuses on growing its commercial and manufacturing sectors. From studio apartments, to big open loft spaces, and more traditional home ownership, Holyoke is committed to having something to suit every housing need. Vega explains, “If people don’t have a place to live, and as they move up the economic ladder, they don’t have a place to keep moving up in their housing stock, people aren’t going to want to stay here.” Working with Winn Development, the city is also securing housing for the 55+ age group, repurposing a 100-year-old building in downtown Holyoke.