SPRINGFIELD - The Massachusetts Historical Commission wants MGM Springfield to conduct a feasibility study to determine if the rear section of the historic State Armory building can be saved from demolition as part of MGM's casino development in the South End, according to local officials.

The Armory issue surfaced during a nearly two-hour meeting between local and state officials in Boston, where agreement on the issues was otherwise the case, officials said.

Brona Simon, executive director of the state Historical Commission, while asking for the study, was otherwise in agreement with the historic mitigation plan submitted by MGM, and that was approved recently by the Springfield Historical Commission, said Scott Hanson, the city's principal planner.

MGM has long planned to save the front section of the Armory building, but neither MGM nor the local Historical Commission was fighting to preserve the tornado-damaged rear area that was an addition to the Armory.

Simon questioned if a planned MGM skating rink could be moved closer to Union Street, which would require MGM to again move the planned location of the Spritualist Church, Hanson explained.

Officials attending Friday's meeting included Simon and representatives MGM Springfield, the state Gaming Commission, the city, the city Historical Commission and the Springfield Preservation Trust.

The $800 million casino project cannot proceed until such issues are resolved and a final site plan developed and approved.

The state historical commission is an advisory body, with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission having ultimate authority over the casino plans. The state historical commission commission is

"I think all in all, it was a good meeting," Hanson said. "We are trying to meet in the next two to three weeks to hopefully come to a conclusion on the remaining issues."

Simon did offer support for a plan to demolish the old YWCA building on Howard Street, which caused sharp disagreement in recent months but was approved by the local Historical Commission by a 3-2 vote. Under the negotiated mitigation plan, MGM will recreate the facade of the former YMCA building, perpendicular across Howard Street just west of the old State Armory.

Simon recognized that public safety concerns, specifically regarding the planned cul-de-sac, were behind the plan to demolish the old YWCA.

The building has housed the Western Massachusetts Correctional and Alcohol Center.

Simon also spoke favorably about mitigation plans for a building at 73 State St. and the Union House, that had been contested in the past between MGM and the Historical Commission, Hanson said.

There was a also a discussion of MGM providing a fund for historic preservation efforts in Springfield, Hanson said.

"Progress was made," said Robert McCarroll, who was attending the meeting on behalf of the Springfield Preservation Trust. "There are still those few issues that have to be resolved."

MGM Springfield was pleased with what it thought was a very productive initial meeting with the state historical commission, said Carole Brennan, MGM Springfield spokeswoman. Additional comments was not immediately available.

Simon could not be reached for comment.

Mayor Domenic Sarno sent a letter of support for the MGM project and its mitigation plan to the state Historical Commission.

Sarno's letter stated in part: "As recognized by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission ("MGM"), the Project demonstrates MGM Springfield 's strong commitment to the history of Springfield and promises to maintain a commitment to Massachusetts' historic themes of innovation, inclusion and community in its development."

Further, Sarno said the MGM casino project is "a dynamic plan to redevelop Springfield's Metro Center and South End Neighborhoods," and is focuses on "respecting the rich historical character of these neighborhoods."

The casino will be located on a 14.5 acre parcel in the downtown-South End area, with all properties purchased by MGM.

MGM Springfield MA Historical Commission