SPRINGFIELD – The only cannabis business so far in the city to receive its provisional license will be seeking a change of address for its dispensary.

If given approval, 6 Bricks will be moving from its proposed location at the Gasoline Alley complex on Albany Street to The Republican building on Main Street.

The management of the local daily newspaper has been seeking tenants to redevelop part of its building.

Payton Shubrick of 6 Bricks said she was “very excited” about the new site. It is not near any schools, churches or residences.

“It’s a really great location,” she added.

The effect of the pandemic on retail operations has been “a huge factor” in this decision, Shubrick explained to Reminder Publishing.

She said having the capacity for curbside delivery of products as well as a drive-through window prompted the change in plans. In addition, Shubrick said the company would need additional space, as it has been granted a delivery license as well.

As part of seeking permission to make that change from the city council, 6 Bricks will be hosting a community outreach meeting, which will take place on Sept. 23, from 6-8 p.m. via Zoom.

The link for the meeting is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85060921847?pwd=Q3psbVhLK3RCY2JXODduTEVjQUdOQT09 and the password is “6Bricks.”

“The biggest thing is changing the address. Everything else is the same,” she explained. She added The Republican building would be a “more permanent location” than the one on Albany Street.

The city council would have to consider granting a new special permit for that location as well as an amendment to the Host Community Agreement between 6 Bricks and the city. If all goes to plan, the dispensary could be open for business in the first half of 2021, she said.

In a written statement Shubrick said, “Over the last several months, my team and I have continued to watch the industry and have evolved our business plan as the world around us has changed. After COVID-19 shut down the industry for two months, curbside was introduced to ensure a safe and efficient way for customers to secure product while minimizing contact. Curbside was then quickly followed by the Cannabis Control Commission releasing the regulations for delivery, which led us to start the company 6 Brick’s Delivery LLC. As a social equity applicant, we wanted to take advantage of the three-year exclusivity outlined by the Cannabis Control Commission while scaling the business to allow for more revenue to the city of Springfield, more jobs, and longevity to our business.

“It is for these reasons, that we have made the difficult decision to seek a change of address, as allowed by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. While we appreciate the support of the McKnight Neighborhood Council and all those who supported us, our current location at 250 Albany Street, presents numerous challenges as we think about expanding over time.”

Shubrick said that at this time she anticipates using 5,000 to 7,000 square feet on the first floor of the building.

She said her company has thought of applying for a grow facility at the premises, but has not yet committed to the expansion.

Another reason Shubrick is impressed with the location is its historical significance. 6 Bricks is a minority-owned business – the only one in Springfield that sought a cannabis license. The Republican building is at the location of a building abolitionist John Brown – then a Springfield resident – met with African-American leader and author Frederick Douglas in 1846 to discuss Brown’s approach to end slavery.