Plans to convert a historic Mansfield chocolate factory into residential and commercial space have been approved by the town, just days after the site was designated as a historic landmark.
The Sun Chronicle reports that planning board officials signed off on the plan for the Lowney Chocolate Factory during a public hearing Wednesday.
Plans call for building 130 one- and two-bedroom apartments in the former factory's main building. A 200-seat restaurant, more than 11,000 square feet of manufacturing space and more than 5,000 square feet of office space have been planned for smaller buildings on the site.
The chocolate factory's oldest building dates to 1903. The factory ceased making chocolate in 2009. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places last week.
Construction should begin in July.
