Future switches on at former AO site

SOUTHBRIDGE – At the center of the former American Optical headquarters, three new pond fountains and a master plan by its owner identified $15 million in improvements to yield public access for hiking, biking and kayaking.

The fountains were an ode to jets that aerated Lensdale Pond as a focal point of the former AO campus, which was once the world’s largest manufacturer of optometric products. The jets provided scenic charm to motorists on Route 131.

During a ceremony Tuesday, the pond was renamed Southbridge Pond, said Charles “Chip” Norton, Jr., owner of Southbridge Associates, which operates the Southbridge Innovation Center, the former AO campus, as an affiliate of Franklin Realty Advisors.

Spectators counted down as officials turned on the switch to the new fountains. The switch is made from a Corinthian column from the original AO building’s fireplace, and the wood used to mount the switch is from the AO building, Norton said.

The fountains will light at night by a colorful array of eight energy-efficient and programmable LED lights, the owner said.

“These iconic fountains are a reminder of the water jets that used to shoot here as a part of the former American Optical property,” said Norton, who’s also managing director of the $72 million Mercantile Center in Worcester’s downtown.

“The stunning new features and design of the fountains provide a sense of serenity and beauty to Southbridge Pond,” he continued. “They enhance the daytime lure of this landscape while also creating a spectacular picturesque view when lit up at night.”

The master plan calls for new lighting throughout the former AO headquarters, roadway and bridge upgrades, an enhanced signage program, creation of walking trails and establishing public water access to the Quinebaug Reservoir. Norton said the improvements will bring opportunities for kayaking and bicycling to the general public.

Concurrently, Southbridge Associates has various redevelopment plans for the property, such as approximately 148 new units of affordable housing, a training site for Massachusetts law enforcement and the redevelopment of 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

The redevelopment of the balance of the Southbridge Innovation Center is expected to generate upwards of 350 new jobs. The site already has 353 employees.

Southbridge and Southbridge Associates reached an understanding to convert portions of the Southbridge Innovation Center for access and use by the public. Together they will pursue federal and state infrastructure programs to pay for the infrastructure improvements.

It is anticipated Southbridge will acquire money from the state Transportation Bond Bill, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, and a Public Works grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Economic Development Administration.

“Chip’s commitment to the citizens of the town is what I think it's really amazing,” Town Manager Ronald San Angelo during the ceremony. “He cares enough to invite the public into this facility to be able to use it for recreation purposes.”

Town Council Chairman John D. Jovan Jr., whose father was the warehouse manager at AO for many years, said the Southbridge Innovation Center’s improvement plans were important toward the reimagining of Southbridge’s downtown district.

Jovan said AO’s departure was a tremendous loss to the town, and he expressed gratitude to Norton’s commitment to the facility and keeping the characteristics of the former AO.

State Rep. Peter J. Durant, R-Spencer, said Southbridge was like many mill towns and cities that encountered “a boom/bust cycle.” But now, with this project and others, Southbridge is on the way back up and has much to offer the region, Durant said.

Norton said the former AO headquarters was constructed in the late 1800s, with the final building built in 1953.

He became involved with the property in the late 1990s, ultimately buying the site in 2005, and developing the 203-room Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center.

About 600,000 square feet of the business park is developed, about halfway to full development, Norton said.