Nouvelle Realty Will Redevelop Springfield Site by 2028

A four-story mixed-use building featuring 45 apartment units will replace a long-vacant property on National Avenue.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Nouvelle Realty Will Redevelop Springfield Site by 2028

Live Poll

Do you support the redevelopment of vacant commercial sites into mixed-use buildings in your community?

Nouvelle Realty LLC plans to transform a 1.5-acre property at National Avenue and Elm Street in Springfield into a modern mixed-use complex. The project is expected to reach completion by early 2028, adding 45 apartment units and ground-floor commercial space to the area.

Why it matters

The redevelopment initiative aims to remediate blight on a prominent vacant site located within the Rountree Urban Conservation District. By converting the former commercial lot into residential and retail space, the developer hopes to revitalize a key intersection in the city.

The project covers a 1.5-acre footprint and includes a four-story, 52,000-square-foot building. It will provide 45 total apartment units along with commercial space on the ground floor.

The players

Nouvelle Realty LLC

This is the real estate development company that owns the property and is leading the redevelopment efforts.

Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective

This is the architectural firm responsible for the building design for the new mixed-use complex.

Springfield City Council

This is the local legislative body that will review the developer's application for a Chapter 353 tax abatement.

The details

The site, which previously housed a Panera Bread, a GLO Dry Cleaning, and a Brown Derby liquor store, has remained empty since those businesses closed. Architect Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective has designed the new structure, and the project team is currently performing environmental studies.

A barbershop began operating at the property in 1949.
A car crashed into the Panera Bread building in mid-2023.
The project development process began in fall 2025.
The building is expected to be completed in early 2028.

Market Landscape

This development follows the guidelines of the Chapter 353 Redevelopment Corporations Law, which provides tax incentives for projects aiming to eliminate urban blight. It mirrors a broader trend of private developers targeting underutilized conservation districts for high-density residential conversion.

Residents may see an increase in construction activity at the intersection of National Avenue and Elm Street leading up to 2028. The introduction of 45 new apartment units and ground-floor retail aims to improve the local housing supply and provide new service options for the community.

The takeaway

Large-scale urban infill projects like this one are increasingly common as cities look to repurpose vacant commercial lots into mixed-use assets. Residents interested in city growth should monitor local council proceedings regarding tax abatements, as these decisions can influence the speed of construction.