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JUNE 2023
Welcome to the first issue of our OPM Newsletter, The Owner’s Edge. We’ve created this publication to showcase our OPM projects and people and the amazing work that’s happening across Massachusetts – new schools that inspire the next generation of leaders, libraries rich with technology to nourish the minds of our communities, fire stations built to house modern apparatus, and other exciting building projects. We want to celebrate this work and your trust in our team.
But to start our first issue, we wanted to take a moment to remind you of who we are and the services we provide. If our name is not entirely familiar to you, we understand and want to give you a reason to remember it in the future. Daedalus Projects was a familiar name to many, with a reputation for stellar work and talented staff. Daedalus underwent a name change a few years ago as a result of an acquisition by CHA, but we want to assure you that we are still the same team that you have come to know and trust. We continue to provide the same high-quality owner’s project management services our customers have come to expect from us, and our commitment to Massachusetts has not wavered. While we have many familiar faces, there have been changes too. We have added exceptional new talent to our ranks, and we now have added resources and capabilities as part of a larger organization. Being part of CHA has allowed us to grow and enhance our offerings to better serve our clients.
If you haven’t been in touch with us lately, we would love to get reacquainted as CHA and remind you why you should remember our name when planning your next project. Our name may be different, but our commitment to quality and excellence remains the same. Let’s build something spectacular together.
CHA’s growing downtown Boston office, already home to more than 40 CHA employees, recently relocated from the South Market Building at Faneuil Hall Marketplace to a space a few blocks away at One Washington Mall. The newly renovated space features a layout that promotes collaboration and staff engagement.
Our new address is: One Washington Mall Suite 1500 Boston, MA 02108 617.451.2717
OPM Business Practice Leader Sean Sweeney recently joined Michael Kearns, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management, UMass Boston, for a presentation at the SCUP North Atlantic 2023 Regional Conference. Sean and Michael shared techniques to enhance the stewardship of an institution’s built assets to achieve programmatic, utilization, sustainability, and modernization goals while developing a process to inform and engage both the provost and the business office.
CHA Project Manager Alyssa Chatani recently earned her Certified Construction Management (CCM) credential from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). Way to go, Alyssa!
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CHA continues to add new talent to our team. Please join us in welcoming the following new hires: Shereen (Sherry) Waldman (Assistant Project Manager), James Cappella (On-Site Representative), and Joshua Munoz (Assistant Project Manager).
John Lebica, On-Site Representative, has worked on many exciting projects during his nine years at CHA. Early in his career, John worked for the National Audubon Society handling a variety of wild creatures, earning him a reputation as the go-to person for any wildlife-related problem or adventure. While driving to the job site one day, John noticed a barred owl in the breakdown lane. He rescued the owl and monitored it throughout the day. However, when the owl still appeared groggy, John decided to take it to a local rehab center, but not before introducing it to his grandsons, you can watch by scanning the QR Code to the left. John says, “It’s amazing because you can actually see it snap out of it, and when I pick it up, if you listen carefully, you will hear it clack its beak, which means he’s getting mad about what is happening, definitely a sign he’s tuning in and ready to be on his way.”
Opening in the fall of 2022, the Lincoln School (K-8) in Lincoln, Massachusetts, holds an impressive title, the Commonwealth’s most sustainable school renovation. This renovation was designed to generate as much electricity as it consumes and is the first in the Commonwealth to achieve this level of sustainability in a public school renovation project.
CHA provided OPM services for the renovation of the 127,528 SF school and the construction of a 37,500 SF addition. The design retained the modernist theme of the original school while achieving net-zero energy class B standards for sustainability in a school renovation. Our project management team worked closely with the Town of Lincoln stakeholders to find solutions with the lowest possible energy use intensity (EUI) while remaining within budget. The $94 million renovation and addition provide many unique and welcoming learning spaces, including a central entrance, dining commons, kitchen, flexible learning commons, media center (library), and centralized administration office.
The City of Brockton is set to bring its long-awaited dream to life with the construction of a new, stateof-the-art combined public safety complex. This sleek and technology-driven building will replace the city’s outdated police station and historic fire station, serving as a beacon of safety and security for the community.
At an expansive 149,275 SF and spanning four stories, the public safety complex will house the operations of both the Brockton Police Department and the Brockton Fire Department. It will also feature a joint emergency dispatch center, administrative and support offices for the Brockton Emergency Management Agency, and offices and an equipment room for the Brockton Information Technology Center. To accommodate the needs of the police department, the complex will include a parking garage that can hold up to 300 vehicles. Public lobby space will be available on each floor, providing easy access to services and information for the community.
Construction began in March 2023 following the demolition of the old building located on the corner of West Elm Street and Warren Avenue, which had served as different institutions over the years, including the Old Brockton High School, Eldon B. Keith School, Frederick Douglass Academy, and Champion School. The new facility will repurpose some of the building’s pillars and other infrastructure elements, adding a sense of history to the modern structure.
As the OPM for the City of Brockton, CHA has been intimately involved in every aspect of this project, including designer selection, space needs assessment, program development, site evaluation, and cost estimates. With an estimated cost of $108 million and an ambitious construction timeline, this multi-phase project is anticipated to be completed in 2025.
Construction is underway for the $382 million initiative to relocate Lemuel Shattuck Hospital’s medical and psychiatric services to East Newton Pavilion in Boston. As OPM for the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, CHA is overseeing extensive renovations to all nine floors of the 405,000 SF building to accommodate almost 700 staff members who will provide clinical laboratory, outpatient specialty, and surgical services. This project is on track for completion by 2025.
Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is a 260-bed facility providing medical and psychiatric treatment to a diverse patient population. Since it was built in 1954, the hospital required extensive renovations
to maintain its current level of high-quality, costeffective care. Relocating to East Newton Pavilion will enable the Commonwealth to offer uninterrupted care to patients in an improved environment while significantly reducing costs compared to renovating the existing hospital or building a new facility.
East Newton Pavilion requires only limited renovation to accommodate Shattuck’s inpatient and outpatient services. The site presents a unique opportunity for potential collaboration with Boston Medical Center, Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center, neighboring academic institutions, and Tufts. The non-profit provider programs at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital will not relocate to the East Newton Pavilion.
The Randolph Lyons Elementary School celebrated the start of construction on a new school building with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 10, 2023. CHA is providing OPM services for a new 74,720 SF elementary school building. CHA assisted the Town of Randolph and the Randolph Public School District in completing a comprehensive feasibility study phase, which included a district-wide enrollment study as well as helping to secure public support and state funding for the project. The new facility will provide modern, engaging, and flexible spaces for PreK-5 learning, increase instructional classrooms and specialized teaching spaces, feature updated building systems (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), and improve parking and site circulation.
The Maynard Fire Department celebrated the grand opening of its new fire station on January 21, 2023. The celebration included fire department members uncoupling hoses to honor the new station in place of a traditional ribbon cutting. CHA provided OPM services for the construction of the new 17,500 SF fire station, designed and built with sufficient space and in a configuration that will meet the department’s needs for many years.
The Marlborough Public Library is undergoing a $24 million renovation and expansion project slated for completion in the spring of this year. Built in the early 1900s and last renovated in 1969, the library lacked room for meetings and quiet study. A phased design and construction plan is expanding the existing facility from 22,300 SF to 38,306 SF. While most of the existing building was demolished and will be replaced with a new addition, the historic facade and front rooms have been retained and incorporated into the new design. Watch for more news of this exciting project completion.
Projects are more than just buildings—they’re a reflection of the people who design, manage, and build them. That’s why we are thrilled to highlight several of the exceptional members of our project and construction management team who are driving our organization forward. Many of the names you’ll see on our team come from our legacy company, Daedalus. These former Daedalus colleagues bring with them the same outstanding caliber of professionalism, expertise, and work ethic that earned them the trust of clients and a reputation for excellence in the industry. Now, as part of CHA, they have access to even more resources and support, allowing them to guide clients through their projects with greater efficiency and ease. Whether you are currently working with us or considering a team for the future, we invite you to learn more about our talented professionals and how they support projects across Massachusetts.
Tom Gatzunis is an experienced professional with over 30 years of experience as an engineer, building commissioner, and project manager. Tom has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and trusted partner who consistently delivers high-quality results, setting himself apart with his positive attitude and commitment to making project management as smooth as possible. Prior to joining Daedalus, which became CHA, Tom served as the Commissioner of Public Safety for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and spent 11 years as the Town Engineer and Building Commissioner for the Town of Belmont. Tom’s extensive experience has given him an in-depth understanding of building codes and regulations, enabling him to easily oversee projects from start to finish. He also stays current on industry trends and best practices as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Massachusetts Building Commissioners and Inspectors Association.
Joe Sullivan Senior Project Manager Section ManagerJoe Sullivan has more than 30 years of experience and is widely regarded as a master of facility and project management. His knowledge of public construction laws and regulations, combined with his OSHA and confined space training, enables him to guide clients in successfully completing complex construction projects while meeting all necessary requirements. Joe has proven his ability to find creative solutions that maximize the value for every dollar invested, regardless of the type of project, in a variety of industries, including airports, schools, museums, libraries, public safety buildings, EMS facilities, fire stations, and police stations. Moreover, Joe is a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) and candidate for Building Inspector certification. He has the qualifications and expertise to provide top-notch OPM services while ensuring compliance with regulations governing public procurement in Massachusetts. Clients who have worked with Joe in the past or are considering him for their next construction project can trust that Joe’s expertise and commitment to excellence will make a difference.
Christina is a highly skilled project manager and communications specialist with over 25 years of experience. She manages the OPM team’s business development and client relationship efforts as well as overseeing the strategic planning and execution of public outreach and communications efforts for our projects. By understanding stakeholders’ needs and expectations, Christina develops strong relationships and effective communication plans that build trust and cooperation. During her 19-year tenure with Daedalus, which is now CHA, she has established herself as an indispensable asset known for her expertise and leadership on projects across the Commonwealth.
Kevin Sullivan Project Manager
Michael is a focused and detail-oriented professional known for his ability to manage project and program criteria efficiently. Michael has been a well-known figure in the construction industry for over 30 years. He has worked on various projects throughout the United States and Canada, earning a reputation as a skilled and reliable OPM. He has overseen the construction, restoration, and repair of various properties such as commercial properties, hospitals, restaurants, utilities, schools, libraries, military facilities, mixed-use properties, municipal buildings, and public safety centers. Michael has quickly established himself as a visionary leader at CHA with his hands-on approach to team leadership, building, and direction. Clients across North America trust Michael and his team to consistently deliver exceptional results.
Kevin Sullivan has excelled at CHA as a provider of OPM services to higher education institutions and K-12 schools for renovation, addition, and new construction projects. Before joining CHA, he worked for over 13 years at the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), overseeing the successful completion of over $1.5 billion in public school construction across the state. His work at MSBA involved managing multiple Core Program, Accelerated Repair Program, and Green Program projects. In his current role, Kevin leverages his expertise to help educational institutions minimize disruption to school operations, comply with regulatory requirements, meet tight budgets, and complete projects within strict timelines to avoid delays in students’ education, while also helping them achieve sustainability goals and reduce operating costs.
Most of the remarkable professionals you’ve worked with during their tenure at Daedalus are part of CHA. Rest assured, the team you know and trust, now part of CHA, is equipped with even greater resources and a steadfast commitment to excellence. With their expertise and CHA’s support, you can count on us to responsibly improve the world we live in.
If you have not had the opportunity to engage with us recently or if you have any questions about our team or the services we provide, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. Our team is always available to assist you.
