The property currently consists of 20 acres upon which sits a 750,000-sf mall that has struggled to keep its retail stores occupied. The property was originally built in 1971 as the Galleria Mall and then was redeveloped into the Worcester Common Fashion Outlets in 1994. In 1996 the name of the two-level, 126 outlet center, was changed to Worcester Common Outlets.

The Berkeley proposal calls for tearing down 75% of the existing mall and developing 1.6 million sf of new construction to replace the retail center which will ultimately result in a two-million-sf development of housing, retail and office space on the site. A spokesperson for the developer emphasizes that because of the property's proximity to public transportation and other essential infrastructure, it is a prime example of smart growth--a cornerstone of Gov. Mitt Romney's administration. The development is scheduled to be completed in phases over the next five years.

The project also involves a new medical office building that will connect to Worcester Medical Center via a pedestrian walkway. The proposal also calls for a number of infrastructure improvements including new streets and pedestrian walkways designed to connect Downtown. According to the developer's spokesperson, the mall now separates Worcester Downtown from Union Station, but the new development will open up that connection.