SPRINGFIELD – Two of the downtown development projects described as the “most difficult” are moving forward – slowly.

The Sarno Administration and Congressman Richard Neal announced on Oct. 19 a $3.56 million loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development would be the first step in the redevelopment of the Paramount Theater block on Main Street.

Kevin Kennedy, the city’s chief development officer, explained to Reminder Publications the loan would be used to provide the Paramount block a new roof that would stop any further water damage.

According to information supplied by the city, “This project will preserve, repair and upgrade the historic Paramount Theater which has been closed since 2014, to create a performing arts center. The rehabilitation of the Massasoit Building, built in 1857 and remodeled in 1926, will reposition floors two through four back to its original use as an 81-room hotel and extensively restore and update the rest of the building, which has been vacant for more than a decade. The property is now under the ownership of the New England Farm Workers Council, which has proposed a significant investment in the property to bring back performance space and add a new hotel consisting of 75-85 rooms.”

The cost of the complete renovation is estimated at $41 million and Kennedy said New England Farms Workers Council would have to acquire the rest of the funding. Phone calls to the Council for further comment were not returned by press time.

The Paramount Theater, first opened in 1926, has gone through several names and uses with the last best known as a dance club called the Hippodrome.

“This is another marquee redevelopment project will lead to significant job creation, increased local revenues and tax revenues here in Downtown Springfield,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno. “Plus, just steps away from the rehabilitated Union Station and MGM Springfield, patrons will be in the heart of all that our city has to enjoy. This jobs generator, combined with supporting arts and culture, is a win-win.”

The other “difficult” development project remains the 31 Elm St. or the Court Square Building. Although it was announced earlier this year the former hotel and office complex could be the site for the 54 market-rate apartments that are part of the Host Community Agreement between MGM Springfield and the city, Kennedy said only “general discussions” have taken place between the city, MGM and the referred developer of the property Peter Picknelly’s Opal Development.

“There has nothing absolute decided,” Kennedy said.

He noted the building still must undergo remediation of hazardous materials such as asbestos. He added such measures are “boring but necessary.”

He said the principals continue to meet but added, “This is going to take a while. It’s going to be a process for sure.”

Because of its location across the street from the MGM Springfield campus, Kennedy said that something to redevelop it has to be done.

“We can’t turn our back on this building,” Kennedy said.

Still he expressed “a great deal of confidence” that a redevelopment will take place.