Business owners in proximity to the now empty court square have been waiting a long time for some positive news.

"This side of the Sovereign bank building, it seems like it’s been a little bit inactive, so we're looking forward to getting some new blood in and I think having some more people around here will definitely help the business," said Chris Marzalek, owner of Dillweeds Cafe on Main Street.

It is good news for the owner whose restaurant is right across from the MassMutual center. Soon the University of Massachusetts will set up shop right next door at Court Square, straight across from City Hall.
Some extra foot traffic for businesses in this area has been a long time coming. As a matter of fact, three years ago former Mayor Charlie Ryan held a meeting to discuss the plan for development.

Not much has changed since then, in more than one way. A failed attempt at a boutique hotel along with other tries to occupy court square went by the wayside, until this recent partnership with UMass.
The university will use all three floors as a teaching site for students studying urban design.

"This is something that we mapped out with UMass over a year ago, UMass is going to be coming. You see the glass façade outside MassMutual? They will be down temporarily at 3-7 Elm Street as we move to redevelop Elm Street. This has really turned up the excitement of being down in the court square area," Mayor Domenic Sarno said.

Springfield Chief Development officer John Judge said the collaboration with the school is key. Bringing a top university into downtown Springfield will serve as a catalyst with more tenants to follow.

"To get the momentum to develop downtown, it’s very exciting. I think it will create some attention from the national players as well to say 'okay, you have got a world class university like UMass, making sure that they have a major presence in Springfield.' It’s going to get them to take another look at the city," Judge said.