Focus Springfield studio on the move following Main Street eviction


March 16, 2017



SPRINGFIELD – Focus Springfield, the city’s cable access operation, has been evicted from its studios at 1200 Main St. by the building’s owner MGM Springfield.



The state-of-the-art television and video production studios opened in 2014 at the ground floor of the building at State and Main streets. MGM bought the property in 2015 from C&W Realty. It was the former location of MassMutual.



 John Abbott, the executive director of the non-profit organization, told Reminder Publications Focus Springfield has until Nov. 18 to leave the building.



“We do expect to be out by the deadline,” Abbott said. “I’m sure if we need some more time MGM will give it to us.”



Abbott said the goal is to stay downtown with a new facility and although he declined to say where he is considering moving, he did say there are two potential locations at this point.



The cost of the build-out for either location has yet to be determined, he added.



Abbott will be seeking approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for mitigation funds. He said by law the maximum allocation is $400,000, although the commission could over-rule it. MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis is supporting the application and said, the “highly regarded public access cable television studio is an appropriate and worthy use of such funds.”



Current estimates to reestablish the facility in a new location are about $900,000, Abbott noted. MGM Springfield is also providing $300,000 in direct funding to Focus Springfield to help cover the move.



In a written statement Mayor Domenic Sarno said, “The consideration and follow-through of Focus Springfield in carrying out its important community roles is deeply appreciated. Focus Springfield allows Springfield residents the capability to have quality public community and civic programming. Also, it’s important that we’ve named our studio facility after downtown visionary and original cable TV negotiator, the Mayor/Attorney Ted DiMauro Communication Center.”



Since 2014, Focus Springfield has trained and assisted 87 individuals in the production of videos and hosted 39 interns from nine colleges and universities. Focus Springfield creates programming for cable Channels 12, 15, and 17, which includes everything from local athletics, government meetings, economic development, music and the arts.



“We have made great strides in our mission to teach local producers how to use video to tell their stories about their city,” Executive Producer Stephen Cary said.  “Springfield is home to a diversity of creative folks of all ages.  Due to recent efforts by the city, we are seeing an influx of younger, ‘high tech’ workers moving in to take advantage of the many assets the city offers.”



Despite the challenge of moving, Abbott is philosophical about the relocation.



“The MGM project is vitally important to the future of Springfield,” Abbott said.  “An investment of $950 million by an international brand will bring thousands of jobs and out-of-town visitors to the city, and while we are disappointed to leave our studio only three years after opening, we understand the reasons for our move.”



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