WORCESTER, Mass. - One of the oldest buildings in Worcester is getting a new life.

Stearns Tavern has been an antique store, a carpet store and a bank, and now it’s open to the public again. 

“The building has not been utilized to the point it should be,” Phil Niddrie, the City of Worcester special projects coordinator, said. 

It was built in 1812 and faced demolition in 2014. With the help of over 145 community partners, the city and Preservation Worcester moved the building, transforming it into a public spot next to a new park. 

“People from all over the city who donated either services, money, time to make this project work and I think the best thing about this project is the partnership,” Deborah Packard, Preservation Worcester executive director, said. “The very exciting part of this is people have access to the building. They can come enjoy the park, walk around Coes Pond, go inside, have something to eat.”

Stearns Tavern is part of Worcester’s unique history and will continue ​to play a role in the community.

“We are open,” Niddrie said. “We want you here.”