Memorial Block Brownfield Redevelopment

WHEM was contracted by Memorial Block LLC to conduct Brownfield consulting for the Mid-Town Motel in 2024. This is part of a larger project for potential redevelopment of the Memorial Block, which is ±3.81 acres in the heart of Burlington. The City owns ±2.95 acres of the Memorial Block including the historic Central Fire Station, the Fletcher Free Library, Memorial Auditorium and the Main Street parking lot. Memorial Block LLC holds site control over ±0.28 acres including 230 Main Street (former Mid-Town Motel) and a duplex at 234-236 Main Street. The development plan calls for a minimum of 200 units of housing, both affordable and market rate, and the possibility of a 100-room hotel, with the design to be inspirational and welcoming to honor the history of the City. This project was previously envisioned as the “Gateway Block”.

The work includes enrollment in BRELLA, a Phase I ESA, and a Phase II ESA. To reduce project costs and expedite progress, WHEM worked to combine the Phase II ESA with a previously planned block-wide geotechnical study. This geotechnical study, managed by project partner GEODesign, will better delineate subsurface conditions particularly as they relate to structural limitations to building construction and soil management requirements. Previous environmental assessments at the Site and surrounding block were able to use EPA Brownfields funding and revealed several environmental conditions, with the foremost concern being the presence of the historic fill soils within the Burlington Ravine, which extends southwest-northeast through the Block.

After completing the Phase I ESA, a Phase II ESA was conducted that involved the drilling of fourteen (14) geotechnical borings. Of these borings, seven (7) were selected for soil and groundwater sampling. Based on the borings, urban fill was encountered in all borings, with the vertical extent ranging from 9 to 22 ft deep. While volatile contamination (petroleum and solvents) was ruled out, lead and PAHs at elevated concentrations was found in fill material. Groundwater was encountered in the area at a depth between 8 to 11 ft, meaning that groundwater management will be required during construction. The results of the Phase II ESA are being used to inform a comprehensive Soil Management Plan, which is required during future Site excavation activities.

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