EMBR Dispensary has officially opened in Springfield, MA, the city’s newest recreational adult-use cannabis dispensary and a significant milestone for the Western Massachusetts region. Located at 461 Boston Road, EMBR is the first dispensary in Springfield to be constructed entirely from the ground up.
A Landmark Project for VALERE Architects
The 3,000-square-foot building transformed a long-vacant lot on a major Springfield thoroughfare into a vibrant business hub. Designed with a clear-span truss system, the space features an open floor plan without load-bearing walls, offering maximum flexibility to meet the operational needs. EMBR stands out among our portfolio of work as the first ground-up project VALERE designed in our opening year of business.
Transforming a Neglected Lot into a Thriving Business
The dispensary represents a $2 million investment in the community, bringing new life to a site many Springfield residents remember as the location of the former Russell’s Restaurant. Beyond the dispensary itself, the project will introduce a new pocket park, offering green space for the community to enjoy.
At the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, local officials, community members, and project collaborators came together to celebrate. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno spoke about the project’s impact:
“This project has brought more of that good four-letter word: JOBS! From the construction phase to dozens of retail positions now filled by residents from the neighborhood, EMBR Cannabis is not just a business—it’s a new chapter for Springfield.”
Boosting the Local Economy and Community
State Senator Adam Gomez, State Representative Orlando Ramos, City Councilor Tim Allen, and other officials were on hand to emphasize the economic and cultural value EMBR brings to the city. Brian Horrigan, Vice President of Business Development for EMBR, highlighted the dispensary’s mission:
“We want to give people a good value. The model is proven to work elsewhere, and now we want to bring it to Massachusetts.”
The dispensary, now open seven days a week, is expected to draw significant foot traffic to the Boston Road corridor, creating a ripple effect of economic growth for the surrounding businesses.
A Grand Celebration for the Community
With commitment to the local community, and a focus on economic development, EMBR is set to become a cornerstone of Springfield’s future. VALERE Architects is honored to have contributed to this transformative project.
For those interested in visiting, EMBR Cannabis is located at 461 Boston Road, Springfield, MA, and is open daily.
Congratulations to EMBR Cannabis and the city of Springfield on this remarkable achievement!