WFCR expands into downtown Springfield

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Big changes are in store for the second half century of western Massachusetts' public radio Station.

350 people crowded the Log Cabin Banquet House in Holyoke to celebrate the 50th anniversary of WFCR.

88.5 FM went on the air in 1961 and has been housed in 4000 square feet at UMass Amherst for the last 45 years. WFCR CEO and general manager Martin Miller told 22News the campus quarters are getting cramped. Miller announced a major expansion Wednesday night.

He told 22News the WFCR Foundation's buying property in Springfield, tripling their space. "We're gaining about 12,000 square feet at 1537 Main Street, the corner of Main and Bridge Street in the heart of downtown Springfield."

WFCR will still maintain their News Operations in Hampshire House at UMass, Amherst.

They have a purchase and sale agreement, and will raise the money to buy the Springfield property through a year-long capital campaign. Miller said they're at least two years from moving into the new facilities in Springfield.