6 minute read
Restoration and Renovation
Cambridge Renovation Project Completed
9 Dana Street
Cambridge, MA – South Coast Improvement Company recently completed work on a $6.75 million renovation project for Rafi Properties at 9 Dana Street in Cambridge.
The project was a selective demolition and renovation of a 26-unit apartment complex. The project featured a structural interior renovation, including a structural exterior ramp and lift platform.
“This was the second project we have done for Rafi properties. This one was a challenge in that it was an urban site located right down the street from Harvard University,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Company. “The goal of the project was to provide a much more “open concept” to the units in the building, which was constructed in the 1940s. There was extensive structural work done to achieve the open floor plans as many of the walls were load-bearing walls.”
As part of the project, an all-new HVAC system was installed as was new electrical service to the building and multiple plumbing relocations. An ADA unit was added on the ground level, which necessitated a complete reshaping of the limited frontage of the building to achieve the required pitch for the walkway. All of the building’s kitchens and baths were gutted, and new ones were installed.
The Cambridge Fire Department required a new fire suppression system for the renovated building. This presented several challenges, the biggest being the distribution of the new electrical system in areas where the wall was not demolished. These areas also presented a challenge in that new wall and old wall/new ceiling/old ceiling had to blend and look consistent.
The project team also included Kripper Architecture Studio; Norian/Siani Engineering, Inc.; Collective Wisdom Corporation; Wolf in Sheep Design; and Norton E. Remmer, PE.
Erland Completes Science Center Renovation
Newton, MA – Returning for their third project together, Erland Construction, Riser11, and CBT Architects were selected by The Fessenden School, an independent boys’ boarding and day school based in West Newton, to transform 12,275sf of an existing academic building into a stateof-the-art Science Center.
The new Science Center houses classrooms, an exploration lab, a central gathering area, and multiple breakout spaces designed to provide students the opportunity to focus, create, and collaborate. Construction was completed in phases to accommodate the additional shoring, new footings and slab required to renovate the space. The scope of work also included the installation of a new VRF system, lighting, ceilings, flooring, a lab fume hood and associated casework, rolling glass partition walls, custom millwork, painting, and a retaining wall as well as the completion of two new
The Fessenden School Science Center - collaborative classroom Flexible science lab space
restrooms.
Representatives of Erland say the team took great care in mitigating any disruption to Fessenden’s campus, which remained occupied throughout construction.
“We’re proud to have partnered with Fessenden, Riser11, and CBT Architects to support the school’s growing academic needs,” said Steve Craft, academic group manager, Erland. “Our team felt great satisfaction in transforming this space into a state-of-the-art science center where students will be able to create, innovate, and collaborate for years to come.”
Central gathering area
Construction Begins on Assisted Living Facility
Norton, MA – South Coast Improvement Company (SCIC) recently began a renovation project at the Residence at Great Woods, a LCB Senior Living property located at 190 Mansfield Ave. in Norton.
The Residence at Great Woods is an assisted living home, which also offers memory care services. The project features the conversion of 24 existing skilled nursing rooms into 24 new memory care resident units and four future units. Each room will receive new cabinets and countertops, as well as a new bathroom sink, toilet and shower. Additionally, 59 assisted living resident apartments and nine assisted living rooms will be created. The common areas will receive finishes along with new back-of-house upgrades, including a new commercial kitchen.
SCIC began the design-build renovation of more than 110,000sf of occupied space in early 2021 and will complete work in late spring 2022.
“The acceptance of the design build approach was the key reason why this project is doing so well. The level of expertise we have in this space allowed us to take the leadership role in driving this project forward through design phase, while helping to coordinate the drawings to avoid risk later in project,” said Tom Quinlan, SCIC president. “Through close coordination with the management team and staff, we have put a process in place that will get this project done and done well with minimal disruption to operations.”
Residence at Great Woods
Nashawtuc Country Club Concord, MA – Maugel Architects and Dellbrook|JKS announced the completion of the 55,000sf clubhouse renovation and expansion at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord.
The new facility provides a modern farmhouse-style clubhouse designed with clean lines, contrasting materials, and human-scale proportions featuring expanded wellness, fitness and dining amenities, and event spaces.
Top design goals for the project included improving circulation throughout the clubhouse, creating a better separation between public and member-only areas, streamlining access to food service, and creating an advanced health and fitness center. The existing clubhouse was difficult to navigate due to numerous prior additions and renovations. Special attention was given to improving clubhouse circulation by
Dining room creating clear and distinct paths for visitors and members. Public and private event spaces were strategically arranged to connect to essential food service areas, while providing privacy for member-only areas.
The new design has a large centrallylocated kitchen with two full cooking lines: one to serve ballroom events and another for restaurant service. Dining areas were placed on the same level to increase staff efficiency and improve the member experience.
New fitness and exercise areas feature a 3,500sf fitness center equipped with the latest pneumatic equipment and a 1,000sf fitness studio that hosts a variety of classes, including yoga and kickboxing. Expanded and renovated locker rooms were also added to serve the club’s growing membership. The 15-month construction project was led by Dellbrook|JKS and supported by TF Moran, Inc.; Meisner Brem Corporation; AHA Engineers; Colburn & Guyette; Lemon Brook, LLC; CSL Consulting; and Creative Office Pavilion. The Dellbrook|JKS team worked closely with town officials to keep the project moving forward during the pandemic, and although faced with supply and material delays, the team strategically navigated the challenges to a successful project completion.
