A group of local business owners, including Peter A. Picknelly of Peter Pan Bus Lines and the OPAL Real Estate Group, have purchased the building that houses The Student Prince Café and The Fort in Springfield. The $50 million redevelopment plan includes possible condominiums on the upper floors, similar to another project completed by the same group at Court Square.
The building was sold by the New England Farm Workers Council at a loss due to financial struggles, including significant maintenance costs and property taxes. The former owners, the Scherff family, had renovated and reopened The Fort in 2014 after it was bought by the same group of investors.
The new owners plan to manage the property, make improvements to Main Street, and potentially retain office spaces for affiliate organizations. The purchase also helped pay down a significant debt owed by the Farm Workers Council to the state, with hopes of settling the remaining amount through further property sales in the near future.
The redevelopment of The Fort building is seen as a positive step for the area, with Mayor Domenic J. Sarno expressing appreciation for the investment and commitment to Springfield’s growth and development. The sale is expected to contribute to the overall revitalization of the Main Street area and secure the future of the iconic German restaurant for years to come.
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