The City of Westfield, located in the Greater Springfield region, is a midsize community with a suburban feel and a mix of neighborhoods. Westfield has transformed significantly, evolving from an agricultural and industrial center into a thriving community with a vibrant retail and restaurant scene.
The Downtown Westfield Cultural District is in the city’s downtown corridor. This district has an inclusive blend of historic buildings with three centuries of architecture, restaurants with various cultural cuisines, creative for-profit businesses, retail stores, and non-profit organizations, all highlighting the City’s rich history of whip manufacturing and education institutions while showcasing its present artistic and cultural assets.
“Over the last few years, our downtown corridor has welcomed restaurants, boutiques, and small businesses that foster a sense of diversity and walkability,” said Mayor Michael A. McCabe. “Together with these businesses, our dedicated cultural programming partners, and the City’s commitment to providing clean, welcoming public spaces, we look forward to this new partnership that will help our community achieve new heights.”
Westfield’s significant and strategic investments in infrastructure are visible upon entering the downtown. A picture of the classic New England downtown main street, the area has key pieces of infrastructure including a public plaza, public art exhibits, and a multi-use bike/pedestrian rail trail. A new plaza, located on Elm St., was once a vacant gravel parking lot and is now a space for festivals, performances, and gatherings.
The City of Westfield has a rich cultural and historical heritage and has put significant effort into creating an attractive and inclusive downtown area. Elm St. is home to a variety of small businesses and restaurants, and adequate public parking supports these local establishments. Investments in the streetscape have revitalized the area, turning previously empty lots into dynamic spaces that add to the vibrant commercial atmosphere. Court St. has a classic charm, with historic buildings such as City Hall, the Woman’s Club, and the Athenaeum leading to a picturesque Park Square.
The new Cultural District will showcase downtown Westfield as a navigable arts and cultural destination with accessible events and programs for all visitors. By promoting economic development, engaging community members in downtown events, creating a sense of community and belonging, expanding opportunities for artistic and historic events, and attracting more foot traffic from Westfield State University students, creative businesses will thrive, and the Cultural District will be an attractive location for new businesses owners.
“Westfield’s vibrant calendar of cultural and community happenings demonstrates the ongoing commitment of many volunteers, organizations, and businesses,” said Bob Plasse, Founder & Board Member, Westfield on Weekends. “Westfield on Weekends celebrates this Cultural District designation as a validation of its work and that of our colleagues in community. It also underlines the importance of the arts and culture as we bring people together during challenging times.”
“I am excited to see Westfield’s downtown area continues to grow and flourish with creative opportunities through the new state recognized Cultural District,” said Senator Velis. “By opening new possibilities for state investment with this recognition, the City of Westfield will be able to continue to support local artists and community gatherings that will without a doubt foster economic growth for our community. I appreciate all those with the City who have worked tirelessly over the last 12 years to make the opportunity possible.”