Santander closed its Main Street branch in 2019, and the building has been vacant ever since. Across the country, cities are experiencing commercial buildings with high vacancy due to long-term shifts in office demand, paired with an urgent need for more housing. The Park Building sits at the gateway to downtown Fitchburg, adjacent to the city’s new under-construction Water Street Bridge. Bringing new residents here means more foot traffic, more support for local businesses and a stronger, more vibrant Main Street. Investing in these historic buildings honors the city’s past while building housing for its future.