LAWRENCE, Mass - Public officials, community leaders, and business executives today joined Lawrence residents to celebrate the opening of the 155-unit Washington Mills Building No 1 in the historic mill district in Lawrence. The $40 million, 17-month redevelopment of the 240,000-square-foot former textile mill has transformed the building into loft-style rental apartments that combine dramatic architectural elements and modern conveniences to create a unique living environment in the heart of downtown Lawrence.
"This project marks the largest single private investment into downtown Lawrence in decades and we are proud to be a partner in the significant change that is underway in the City," said Robert E. Gallery, president, Bank of America Massachusetts.
"We're very pleased that new residents are already living in the building and additional units are renting daily," said Sean McDonnell, President of Architectural Heritage Foundation, the Boston-based non-profit historic preservation firm that undertook the development project with the Banc of America CDC.
Ranging in size from 625 to 1,700 square feet, the lofts' architectural highlights include soaring 14-foot-high ceilings made of warm-toned yellow pine, nine-foot arched windows, and exposed brick walls. Modern touches include air conditioning, a washer and dryer in each unit, exposed ductwork and stylish new lighting.
The project architect was Durkee, Brown , Viveiros, and Werenfels of
Providence, RI. Kaplan Corporation of Brookline served as the contractor and GLC Development Resources of Boston served as development consultant. Lawrence-based Transportation Engineering and Construction provided civil engineering services, and another Lawrence based company, Visual Republique, provided graphic design and website services. S-C Management of Brookline is managing the property.
Project funding came from Bank of America, Boston Community Capital, Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund, the City of Lawrence, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts's Department of Housing and Community Development, MassDevelopment, and State and Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.
Source: PR Newswire