Renovation Underway to Transform Worcester’s Kane Building Into Downtown Apartments and Retail

WORCESTER, MA – June 30, 2025 – Construction has officially begun on the Kane Building at 204 Main Street, a long-anticipated project that will bring 20 new apartment units and revitalized retail space to Worcester’s historic downtown.

The Menkiti Group, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate firm with offices in Worcester, is leading the redevelopment effort. The project is being carried out in partnership with D.F. Pray, a general contracting firm headquartered in Seekonk.

A large red banner displaying “D.F. Pray” now hangs prominently on the building’s façade, signaling visible momentum on-site. Workers in hard hats were seen at the location late last week as demolition and site prep moved forward.

“This project reflects the kind of thoughtful, community-centered investment we believe in,” said Bo Menkiti, Founder and CEO of The Menkiti Group. “By bringing new housing and retail space to an underutilized building, we’re advancing the city’s vision for a stronger, more connected downtown.”

Project Details and Community Impact

The renovation will transform the Kane Building into 20 residential units, including two income-restricted apartments to comply with Worcester’s inclusionary zoning ordinance.

The ground floor will also see the return of The Garden Fresh Courthouse Café, a beloved local eatery that will occupy a newly redesigned space. An additional retail storefront along Main Street is also planned, contributing to the city’s downtown activation strategy.

Completion is targeted for 2026, and the developers say the project will preserve the architectural character of the historic structure while updating it for modern use.

A Growing Downtown Footprint

This is not Menkiti’s first investment in Worcester. The company also owns 554 Main Street and Chatham Lofts at 6 Chatham Street, reflecting its ongoing commitment to revitalizing the city’s urban core through mixed-use development.

The Kane Building, originally constructed by Kane Enterprises and once home to Kane Furniture Co., had sat underused for decades. The company closed in the 1950s, and the structure has changed hands multiple times since then.

Local advocates welcome the project as an example of adaptive reuse.

“When a historic building like this finds new life, the whole neighborhood benefits,” said a spokesperson from the Worcester Historical Commission. “It’s not just about housing—it’s about restoring vitality to our Main Street corridor.”

Worcester continues to see increased investment in downtown residential and commercial development. With projects like Table Talk Lofts, Worcester Public Market, and Polar Park already open, the Kane Building renovation signals a next wave of infill development and neighborhood-scale growth.

The Menkiti Group’s redevelopment effort aligns with the city’s broader urban reinvestment and housing affordability goals, helping to diversify the housing stock while anchoring local business retention.

By 2026, the Kane Building is expected to stand as a symbol of historic preservation, downtown renewal, and inclusive housing—all in one.

For media inquiries or more information on the Menkiti Group’s Worcester portfolio, visit: https://www.menkitigroup.com

Originally reported by Adam Bass in Mass Live.