The State of Vermont’s investment of $6 million in brownfields funding at 453 Pine Street in Burlington will help two Burlington entrepreneurs develop a Nordic-style bathhouse and wellness space, boutique bowling alley and entertainment venue, and open space.

In 2013, 453 Pine Street was one of the first sites to be enrolled in Vermont’s Brownfield Economic Revitalization Alliance (BERA) program. The site has posed a unique redevelopment challenge that is both complicated and costly due to the nature of its contamination and proximity to Lake Champlain. Located in the South End of Burlington, 453 Pine Street is adjacent to the Pine Street Canal Superfund Site which was a former coal gasification plant. Since its closure in 1966, efforts to clean and redevelop this property have been hampered due to the expense and challenges associated with the contamination, deterring many interested developers over the years.

“This site represents some of the toughest redevelopment challenges caused by contamination in Vermont. Success at 453 Pine Street is possible because of the BERA program and advancements in science proving that remediation work is not only possible, but necessary to return this land to health,” said ANR Secretary Julie Moore.

The planned redevelopment is intended to support Burlington’s already vibrant South End arts district and further enhance an already strong community gathering area of the city.

In total, the State is investing $25 million in brownfields, which was previously announced by Governor Scott as part of Act 74 and represents the most significant state investment to brownfield sites to date. Historically, remediation projects have been funded exclusively by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

To date, six sites have been enrolled the BERA program. Projects at two of the sites are complete – Robertson Paper Mill in Bellows Falls and Richmond Creamery in Richmond – and funding commitments are in place for two sites in addition to 453 Pine Street – Jones & Lamson (J & L) Plant 1 in Springfield and the Fonda facility in St. Albans.