October 2024: Corporate and Interiors by High-Profile

INDUSTRY EXPERT

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Abel Joins ABC National Council

Northeast Metro Tech Students Win Award for Build-a-Bureau Program

ABC Joins White House Roundtable on Addiction Recovery-ready Workplaces

Tech Talent Ecosystem Summit Held in Connecticut

Gould Construction Institute Completes new 6,300sf Training Facility

Bridge 2 Trades Celebrates 2024 Graduates

PROCON Breaks Ground on 57,000sf Facility for Hitchiner Ribbon Cut on $39M Fossil Fuel-free Apartment Community in Lawrence

Bowdoin provided construction management services on the new 4,300sf farmstand building at Land’s Sake Farm in Weston, Mass. Read the full story on page 16

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Publisher’s Message

Anastasia Barnes

October is our annual focus on Corporate and Interior spaces. This issue highlights a variety of projects in the retail, education, multi-residential, and mixeduse sectors, all unique and showcasing the modern design practices that are creating inclusive, energy-efficient, and humancentered environments for those that live and work in them.

Our cover story features the new 4,300sf farmstand building at Land’s Sake Farm in Weston, Mass. Bowdoin provided construction management services on the project, which is designed and built following passive house principles and targeting net-zero, carbon neutral energy standards. Sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems include cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, triple glazed low-e insulated glass, and a rooftop solar array that powers the entire farm. Read more about

this exciting project on page 16.

Bruner/Cott Architects recently announced it has completed the new 21,000sf Aliki Perroti & Seth Frank Lyceum at Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. The lyceum showcases low-carbon design, with its interior and exterior palettes prioritize materials with low amounts of embodied carbon as well as products that can store carbon, such as wood and other plant-based materials. The building’s spaces are arranged to encourage interaction, collaboration, and conversation among fellows, faculty, students, and the greater college community. Read more on page 18.

Construction Inclusion Week, created to provide a more welcoming and inclusive construction industry, takes place on Oct. 14-18. Now in its fourth year, this initiative reflects the industry’s commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the built environment. As part of Construction Inclusion Week, AGC Massachusetts is holding its 4th Annual Diversity Summit at Bentley University on Oct. 15. Attendees will hear from a panel of higher education and construction professionals, including this year’s keynote speaker, SBA’s Massachusetts District Director Bob Nelson.

On Oct. 24, the Construction Institute is holding its Oktoberfest event at SBC Restaurant & Beer Bar in Milford, Conn. Don’t miss the opportunity to gather with industry colleagues and friends in a fun and festive environment! Registration is now open.

High-Profile’s new media kit for 2025 will be available on Oct. 10. Email us at

PRACTICAL ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES

ads@high-profile.com or ask your account executive for a copy, to make sure HighProfile is part of your marketing plan for 2025!

Our next issue has a focus on Life Science facilities. Share with us the projects that are keeping your team busy, and your thoughts and perspectives on this ever-evolving industry. The deadline for content submissions and ad reservations is Oct. 23.

Enjoy the read!

Aliki Perroti & Seth Frank Lyceum - classroom Photo by Robert Benson

Up-Front

Ground Broken on The Block at 22 Everett Street in Westwood

Westwood, MA – Petruzziello Properties, a subsidiary of Supreme Development, is breaking ground for its newest project, The Block at 22 Everett Street in Westwood.

The multi-unit mixed-use development will include 160 residential units, of which 24 units will be affordable housing units; 12,000sf of commercial/retail space; and walking trails, sports courts, and outdoor gathering spaces. This project, adjacent to the commuter rail station, and Supreme Development’s most recently completed Islington Redevelopment Project, is designed to address the need for more affordable housing, and revitalize a former industrial site into a community in which to live, shop, and play.

The Westwood Select Board has unanimously approved the town’s first project to be submitted to the state for certification under a housing production plan designed to comply with the MBTA Communities Act.

“Regarding economic development, funding is a crucial factor in advancing projects,” said Giorgio Petruzziello, Supreme Development president and CEO. “We’re excited that Dedham

recognize the value of this project and its positive impact on the community. We have mutual values and are committed to fostering community growth and vitality.”

The Supreme Companies, which include both Petruzziello Properties and Supreme Development, are a family of companies in the real estate and development sector. Giorgio Petruzziello and his team have spearheaded both the

the redevelopment of Islington Center in Westwood and developed several mixed use buildings in the surrounding communities. Earlier this year, Dedham Savings and South Shore Bank came together under a single holding company. This affiliation has increased their lending capabilities within the combined entity including the funding required for Petruzziello Properties’ The Block at 22

“It’s wonderful to witness the vision of this affiliation come to fruition,” said Peter Brown, chairman and CEO of the holding company and president and CEO of Dedham Savings. Jim Dunphy has assembled a remarkably talented team at South Shore Bank led by Stephen DiPrete, chief commercial officer. I’m equally proud of Doug Shaw, EVP senior lending officer, and the team at Dedham Savings. I had the pleasure of meeting with Giorgio Petruzziello and his team, Jim, and the relationship teams from both banks, including Alex Cavallini and Kevin Carpenter. The collaboration and enthusiasm for this important project were evident.”

“As individual banks and together as a unified organization, our potential impact on the region is significant,” stated Jim Dunphy, president of the holding company and CEO of South Shore Bank. The funding we provide for initiating projects like this one will eventually translate into housing, improved transportation access, and substantial positive changes to many lives within our community. Additionally, we possess the liquidity and capacity to continue supporting viable projects like

Rendering of The Block at 22 Everett Street

Track 15 Food Hall Unveils Final Vendors for $25M Development

Providence, RI – The final two additions to Track 15’s merchant lineup were recently announced: Little Chaska and Tolia. They will join Dune Brothers, Dolores, There There, Giusto PVD, and Mother Pizzeria PVD to offer a variety of fare, from burgers and seafood to Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Italian, at the Providence food hall.

Little Chaska, from Sanjiv and Vandana Dhar of Kabob and Curry Rasoi in Pawtucket, Rasa in East Greenwich, and Chaska in Cranston’s Garden City Center, will showcase some of the unique recipes that representatives say have

Renderings courtesy of Vision 3 Architects and Neoscape made their restaurant group a favorite for diverse flavors and spices since 1990.

Tolia, a new concept from Turkish native Alp Gumuscu, formerly the executive chef at Yagi Noodles in Newport, will bring a taste of the region of Anatolia to Track 15. Anatolia surrounds Turkey, Greece and other parts of the Middle East and its cuisine is deeply rooted in ancient ingredients, spices, and history. Chef Alp and his team will bring his story and culture to life with thoughtful food and cared-for ingredients.

“We are excited to welcome the Dhars and Alp Gumuscu to the Track 15 family,”

said Christopher J. Marsella, president, Marsella Development Corporation.

“They are the final pieces to this culinary puzzle we’ve been putting together, and we look forward to showcasing their exceptional talent.”

Built in 1898, the original Union Station consisted of 14 intercity rail lines and operated until 1986, when the smaller Amtrak station was built. The name Track 15 is a nod to Union Station’s earliest days as the hub of southeastern New England’s transportation network, supporting the machinery, textile, and jewelry industries that fueled the growth and future of Providence. Marsella Development Corporation and the Marsella family partnered with Convivium Hospitality Group to redevelop the space and deliver a diverse, inclusive, and approachable hospitality experience that reflects the

many cultural influences in Rhode Island.

“Building this food hall has been a labor of love for all of us,” said Marsella.

“Despite the challenges of renovating a historic building, our team is making progress every day, and we can’t wait to open our doors to a truly unique experience that is unlike anything in Rhode Island.”

The overall development of the 18,000sf represents a $25 million investment in the restoration of the historic building which, when completed, will include a large central bar, a new home for seven Rhode Island-based restaurateurs, indoor and outdoor seating for approximately 600 patrons, an entertainment venue, and a 10,000sf plaza which will provide outdoor seating and a home for special events.

Vision 3 is the architect and CM&B is the construction management firm on the project. Track 15 is scheduled to open in February 2025.

Williamstown Fire District Celebrates Ceremonial Groundbreaking of Fire Station

Williamstown, MA – Members of the Williamstown Fire District, joined by local and state officials, recently celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking for a new fire station.

Since its current station was built in 1950, the district has taken on added responsibilities, fire equipment has grown larger, and the safety requirements for stations have greatly expanded. The new, 22,000sf building is designed for the long future to be an operational, safe, and sustainable facility that aims for net carbon zero certification from the International Future Living Institute.

“Today we stick our shovels in the ground and move forward to build what I would consider a state-of- the-art fire station for the firefighters and its community,” said Williamstown fire chief, Craig Pedercini. “This building will be net zero compliant and provide for the department and our community for many years to come.”

The 2-story building will include a five-lane apparatus bay with space for safe movement around vehicles, storage for all personal protective equipment, and a modern training and emergency operation center for Williamstown. To protect the health and safety of firefighters, the new station will also include “hot” and “cold” zones to separate contaminated

equipment and gear from the station’s living and public spaces, as well as stateof-the-art decontamination for the firefighters and their protective equipment. To help meet net carbon zero certification for the building, 100% of its energy will be generated renewably by photovoltaic equipment on site.

The construction cost is $17.9 million,

and

which when added to design and other expenses, brings the project within the $22.5 million limit approved by the town’s registered voters at a district-wide meeting. Defraying that cost will be donations of $5 million from Williams College, $500,000 from The Clark Art Institute, and $225,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds from the Town of

The facility was designed by edmSTUDIO, with Robert Mitchell of Mitchell Associates Architects serving as lead. Consigli Construction Co., Inc. is the general contractor, and Skanska Integrated Solutions (SIS) serves as the owner’s representative. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Members of the Williamstown Fire District, local officials,

the construction project team

Williamstown.

Construction Begins on $51M Redevelopment of Historic Property in Worcester

Worcester, MA – WinnCompanies announced that work has begun on the Residences on Lincoln Square, a $51 million project to transform the historic Worcester Boys Club building and property into 80 affordable apartment homes for adults 55 and older.

The WinnDevelopment effort will employ adaptive reuse techniques to preserve and renovate the 94-year-old building as 16 apartment homes and a variety of community spaces, while erecting a new 5-story apartment building alongside it to house 64 new apartments. The two buildings will be connected on the ground floor by a single-story glass walkway.

The new community will feature a total of 19 studio apartments, 46 one-

bedroom units and 15 two-bedrooms apartments. Of the apartments, 68 will be leased to households earning up to 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) and 12 units will be available to those earning up to 30% AMI. Eleven of the apartments will be set aside as housing for residents with disabilities. Work on both buildings will occur simultaneously with completion expected in the spring of 2026.

WinnDevelopment vice president, Andrew Colbert, will oversee the effort with F.W. Madigan Company, Inc. serving as the general contractor and Maugel DeStefano Architects serving as architect. Rounding out the development team are Petersen Engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer; The Public Archaeology

Laboratory, Inc. (PAL), historic consultant; Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB), civil engineer; Odeh Engineers, Inc., structural engineer; and Building Evolution Corporation (BEC) and Sustainable Comfort Inc. (SCI), Passive House consultants.

The 63,000sf new construction apartment building on the Boys Club site will be all-electric and will be built to the Passive House Institute U.S. (Phius) standard. The project’s Phius design incorporates a robust exterior envelope comprised of triple pane highperformance windows and continuous insulation, designed to drastically reduce heating and cooling loads in the building, which will be met with highefficiency all-electric heat pump systems. Additional conservation measures incorporated in the building’s design include LED lighting, ENERGY STAR appliances, balanced ventilation with energy recovery, and low flow plumbing fixtures.

The existing, 4-story, 48,000sf building will meet Enterprise Green Communities design standards. Enhancements will be made to the windows, which will be replaced with historic replicas designed to offer comfort and environmental performance. The historic structure hosted one of the first Boys Clubs in the nation in 1930 and later served as Worcester Vocational High School for decades before becoming vacant in 2006.

The preservation and renovation of the Boys Club will make the building handicapped accessible and create several community amenity spaces for residents. The existing basement-level basketball court gym will be converted into a fitness center for residents and their guests. There will also be access for public and civic uses, with public programming overseen by the nonprofit Preservation Worcester. Once completed, the community will be managed by WinnResidential, the property management arm of WinnCompanies. The property, situated on the northern edge of the city’s downtown, abuts the World War One Memorial at Lincoln Square, which city officials plan to renovate simultaneously to the construction of Residences on Lincoln Square.

The project is being made possible through financing, loans and tax credits provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, MassDevelopment’s Underutilized Property Program, HOME and Affordable Housing Trust funds from the City of Worcester, the U.S. National Park Service and Massachusetts Historic Commission, Rockland Trust Bank, MassHousing, and BlueHub Capital.

The property is in a Commercial Corridor Overlay District designed to encourage the preservation and redevelopment of historical, cultural and architectural assets in the city.

Renderings courtesy of WinnCompanies

Consigli Completes Acquisition

New York – Consigli Building Group, Inc. announced the completion of its purchase of substantial portions of Lendlease’s New York and New Jersey construction operations.

The terms of the sale included a portfolio of work valued at over $1.8 billion associated with under contract and pre-construction projects in the New York and New Jersey region. More than 400 people will transition to Consigli.

Lendlease is an integrated real estate group headquartered in Sydney, Australia and builder of projects such as the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Central Park Tower, Columbia University, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Expansion and the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

“Lendlease is the largest healthcare

builder in NYC, and we are fortunate to bring on some of the most experienced healthcare and life science people in the New York and New Jersey metro area,” said Anthony Consigli, CEO of Consigli Construction Co., Inc. “Lendlease’s large, complex project planning experience coupled with our local resources, tools and technologies will allow us to provide the stability and the flexible, nimble leadership needed to allow us to deliver the absolute best client service possible in an ever-changing construction world.”

“Consigli’s commitment to excellence and aligned values mean our people have found a great home at Consigli, and their expanding construction portfolio continues with exciting future opportunities,” said Claire Johnston, CEO Americas, Lendlease.

Erland Selected for Renovation Project

Woburn, MA – Full-service laboratory furniture and equipment supplier New England Lab has selected Erland Construction, in collaboration with ahp Architects, to transform 23,083sf of One Arrow Drive in Woburn into its new corporate headquarters.

The project includes a complete exterior transformation with new windows, storefronts, siding, and entryway, as well as comprehensive upgrades to the building’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems. The updated headquarters includes a gaming room, golf simulator, collaboration areas, and offices. The interior will receive new finishes throughout, with New England Lab’s millwork division handling the millwork scope.

During the initial months of the renovation, One Arrow Drive will remain

partially occupied until the current tenants relocate. Once renovations are completed, New England Lab will move its operations to this enhanced facility.

“We are thrilled to embark on this transformative project with New England Lab,” said Ben McConchie, corporate, commercial group manager at Erland.

“This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to showcase Erland’s expertise in delivering exceptional working environments that exceed expectations.”

Matthew Teal, president at New England Lab, said, “The decision to partner with Erland and ahp Architects underscores our commitment to providing our team with a dynamic and optimized workspace. We are confident that this renovation will enhance our ability to innovate and serve our clients effectively.”

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One Arrow Drive rendering

Ground Broken on 47,000sf Admin. Building for Saint-Gobain

Worcester, MA – Saint-Gobain recently celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony to mark construction on a new administration building on its flagship abrasives manufacturing campus in Worcester.

The event, hosted at the future site of the facility, featured remarks from Patrick Dwyer, vice president of Abrasives North America and Abby Marschke, executive director of marketing, Retail and Customer Services for Abrasives North America, who were joined by Massachusetts State Senator Robyn Kennedy, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, Worcester City Manager Eric Batista, and Timothy P. Murray, president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Developed by Pure Development and under the lead of design builder DPR Construction, the 47,000sf building will utilize several of Saint-Gobain’s sustainable solutions including SageGlass electrochromic glass, GCP waterproofing materials, CertainTeed Glasroc gypsum sheathing, and Decoustics panels. The project is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy in January 2026.

“We look forward to working with our local partners as construction gets underway on our new state-of-the-art administration building and thank all

of the stakeholders who have made this project possible,” said Dwyer. “Worcester has been our home for more than a century and today’s groundbreaking ceremony reaffirms our commitment to a community that has always supported our work. We are excited to begin the next chapter of Saint-Gobain and Norton in this amazing city we call home.”

“It is an honor to work with SaintGobain, aligning around sustainability and continuous innovation through prefabrication and the latest in material technology as our teams join forces to

efficiently deliver the new administration building. As a leader in the built environment, DPR Construction has used and installed their products on many projects. We are excited to have the opportunity to implement these materials directly for Saint-Gobain as we self-perform these scopes to ensure the installation reflects the high standards of their brand,” said Patrick Cusson, DPR Construction Boston business unit leader.

The project comes after Saint-Gobain’s contribution of approximately 51 acres to the Worcester Business Development

Corporation as part of its Greendale Revitalization Plan, which included land occupied by its current administration building. As construction begins, SaintGobain has signed a Community Benefits Commitment, agreeing to workforce hiring and supplier diversity goals. These include a commitment to hire local residents, utilize companies local to the Greater Worcester area, and hire people of color, women and those currently in apprenticeship programs.

COMMERCIAL FRAMING & DRYWALL

Photo by Chinburg Properties

Sterling Bay Joins Core Investments for Development of ‘On the Dot’

Boston – Core Investments, Inc. announced a joint venture with Sterling Bay for the ongoing development of On the Dot, Core’s over 21-acre mixed-use development for a former industrial area along Dorchester Avenue in South Boston. On the Dot is scheduled to be built in phases over the next 10-15 years.

“We could not be more enthusiastic about joining with an experienced group of professionals like Sterling Bay, with

its track record of success in creating welcoming and popular new spaces and experiences for people across the country,” said Dave Pogorelc, founder and chief executive officer of Core Investments.

“As we pivot from approvals to seeing our plans materialize, Sterling Bay is just the right partner for our team.”

Sterling Bay will share in the investment, direction and development of On the Dot, located in the Andrew Square

neighborhood in South Boston. The fiveblock area was fully permitted earlier this year by the Boston Planning and Development Agency for 3.8 million sq. ft. in six commercial office or lab buildings, five residential buildings with about 1,365 units, multiple ground-floor retail and restaurant spaces of about 150,000 sq. ft., and six extensive green spaces.

“We have a passion for integrating sustainability into mixed-use developments and look forward to working with Core Investments,” said Andy Gloor, chief executive officer of

Sterling Bay. “More than just office and residential buildings, On the Dot’s retail, restaurant and green spaces along with the life sciences cluster make it a forward-thinking development that is going to further transform this hot South Boston neighborhood.”

The Boston Planning and Development Agency’s board unanimously approved the 21-acre, five-block Master Plan, including a nine-acre block near the Andrew Square MBTA Station that is the first phase. Four buildings on that initial phase will include three for commercial space and one for residences.

On the Dot aligns with the BPDA’s 2016 PLAN: Dot Ave., the result of an extensive neighborhood planning process, and is envisioned as being consistent with the 21st century needs of current and new residents. The Master Plan outlines steps to improve climate resiliency by raising site grades, complying with Coastal Flood Resilience Overlay District requirements, and constructing high-performance buildings to achieve levels of resiliency, sustainability and energy performance that will be attractive to tenants and residents.

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PROCON Breaks Ground on 57,000sf Facility for Hitchiner

Groundbreaking for Hitchiner’s Shared Services Operations facility Milford, NH – Hitchiner, in partnership with PROCON’s design-build team, has officially broken ground on a new 57,000sf Shared Services Operations facility at its Elm Street Campus in Milford. Local officials, community members, and representatives from both Hitchiner and PROCON gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the expansion.

The new building will complete Hitchiner’s Elm Street Campus, encompassing the entire value stream for fully finished investment castingbased aerospace components, including blades, vanes, and combustor panels. This streamlined operation is designed to

boost production efficiency and support Hitchiner’s growing aerospace division.

“We are thrilled to partner with PROCON on this significant expansion,” said John Morison, CEO and president of Hitchiner. “This facility is a testament to our commitment to manufacturing world-class products, while also contributing to the growth and success of both our employees and the community we call home.”

“We are proud to collaborate with Hitchiner on this important project,” said John Stebbins, CEO of PROCON. “Our partnership is rooted in a shared dedication to innovation and quality,

Rendering of Hitchiner’s Shared Services Operations

and we are excited to design and build a facility that will help Hitchiner continue its legacy of excellence.”

This new facility is part of Hitchiner’s broader strategy to support its customers across the aerospace, automotive, and commercial sectors by investing in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure.

“We are thrilled with this addition to Hitchiner’s corporate campus,” said Lincoln Daley, town administrator. “The new facility represents the company’s continued commitment to innovation, quality, and community investment. The expansion brings new job opportunities, stimulating the local/regional economy

and supporting workforce development. We look forward to their continued success and positive and lasting impact on Milford.”

“New Hampshire’s manufacturing sector is one of the core pillars of our state’s economy and produces high quality jobs and economic activity that enhances the quality of life of all Granite Staters. Hitchiner’s continued investment and commitment to New Hampshire is huge part of this success and this exciting expansion builds on an amazing history of company growth and prosperity that has strengthened our state’s business climate immensely,” said Michael Skelton, president and CEO of BIA NH.

facility

Focus: Corporate and Interiors

Bowdoin Completes Land’s Sake Farmstand in Weston

Weston, MA – Bowdoin Construction announced it recently completed the new 4,300sf farmstand building at Land’s Sake Farm in Weston. The building was designed by Payette and opened to the public this past summer.

Part of Land’s Sake’s Grow With Us capital campaign, the farmstand building is designed to offer flexibility to fit the changing needs of the farm year-round. Bowdoin worked in conjunction with Payette to provide budget and schedule assessments during design, and provided full construction management services overseeing construction.

Designed and built following passive house principles and targeting net-zero, carbon neutral energy standards, the new 2-story structure was constructed of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, including cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, triple glazed low-e insulated glass, and a rooftop solar array that powers the entire farm. The building was intentionally sited to blend with the landscape and preserve the infinite vistas from front to back of the farm.

The farmstand front-of-house space

expands and contracts with the growing season, enabling Land’s Sake to serve the community year-round with produce, locally sourced specialty foods, a coffee station and demonstration kitchen. The facility provides a permanent covered space for vegetable processing, with walk-in storage, thereby minimizing food

for the

Land’s Sake Farmstand

Project Manager Selected for Williams College Museum of Art Project

Williamstown, MA – Skanska announced that its program management and consulting group, Skanska Integrated Solutions (SIS), is serving as the program manager for the construction of the Williams College Museum of Art.

Situated on a 6.75-acre site, the new museum is currently under construction. It will include 76,800sf and house exhibits, gatherings, teaching spaces, and administrative and support spaces.

“We’re incredibly excited to continue working with Williams College to enhance its campus and bring a vibrant museum space for the school and local community,” said John Benzinger, program executive, SIS, Skanska USA Building.

“The Williams College Museum of Art has particularly ambitious sustainability goals to meet, and I’m confident that our team’s extensive experience leveraging

sustainable design and construction will ensure these goals are met upon the project’s completion.”

Located at the western entrance of Williams College, the museum will serve students and faculty, the local community, and visitors to the Berkshires through a cluster of four program areas that are unified through their materials, open atmosphere, a centralized gathering place, and an overarching roof sheltering the entire space. Skanska will apply sustainable design and construction principles throughout the project, including the incorporation of Passive House design and additional sustainable elements in order to track towards a Living Building Challenge certification.

SIS has previously provided program management services to Williams College, including the 177,200sf addition and renovation of Stetson Hall and Sawyer Library, which was part of the adaptive reuse of a 4-story 1923 Georgian Revival building that had formerly been the college’s primary library. The project included the demolition and replacement of two additions dating from 1956 and 1962 with a 130,000 GSF concrete framed structure.

Lobby

Study center

Renderings courtesy of SO-IL in collaboration with Perry Dean Rogers

Entry

Break space

Daylit gallery

Special exhibition

Amherst College Completes the Aliki Perroti & Seth Frank Lyceum

Amherst, MA – Bruner/Cott Architects announced it has completed the new 21,000sf Aliki Perroti & Seth Frank Lyceum at Amherst College.

The lyceum comprises the school’s Center for Humanistic Inquiry (CHI), the Department of History, and communal venues designed to drive discourse and critical thinking. Inspired by the Lyceum of Ancient Athens – a place for

philosophical discussions and debate – the building’s spaces are arranged to encourage interaction, collaboration, and conversation among fellows, faculty, students, and the greater college community.

Located on South Pleasant Street, the project is the incubator for a new campus district. It conjoins an extant Greek Revival house with contemporary construction

to create a setting for exploring the human condition. The house’s interior was modified to provide a program of offices, classrooms, and support spaces. A new 2-story addition is situated next to the house, separated by a transparent exterior wall. These two volumes contain the project’s large public spaces, an event space, and a flexible classroom. A new 3-story office wing wraps behind the house to create a linear band of offices looking west into the building’s natural setting. Outdoor terraces, along with an open, central commons created by the adjacencies of the lyceum’s offices, classrooms, and ground floor event space, are designed to provide a vibrant place for the community to share thoughts, ideas, and work.

Supporting the college’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030, the lyceum showcases low-carbon design. Its interior and exterior palettes prioritize materials with low amounts of embodied carbon as

well as products that can store carbon, such as wood and other plant-based materials. The building’s envelope is highly insulative and airtight, coupled with all-electric mechanical systems and a 31 kW roof-mounted solar array. The resulting design required an extremely low 69 kg/co2/m2 of embodied carbon to construct the building and is predicted to use only 14.5 kbtu/sf/year of operational carbon. Indoor air quality, operable windows, a daylighting strategy, a verdant landscape, and views of the surrounding environment are additional featured designed to enhance occupant well-being.

“The new lyceum is a place where we’ll gather for dialogue and exchange and to ask difficult questions about what it means to be human,” said President Michael Elliott. “This is the core of what we’ve been doing at Amherst College for over 200 years.”

Aliki Perroti & Seth Frank Lyceum / Photos by Robert Benson

Classroom

Central interior staircase

VHB Underway on Mixed-use Projects in Boston

Boston – Engineering firm VHB announced it is currently underway on nine multi-residential and mixed-use projects in Boston.

The developments are all happening outside the downtown/Seaport/Back Bay trifecta. Representatives of VHB say they are instead located in underutilized and historically industrial stretches of South Boston, Allston, Dorchester, Charleston, and other neighborhoods beyond the city center, aiming to enhance community connectivity and local access to affordable and market-rate housing, retail, transit, and jobs, and that VHB’s land development, transportation, and environmental engineering professionals are bringing developers the critical services, understanding of local context and regulations, and know-how needed to advance these projects through complex permitting processes and design reviews.

Suffolk Downs, a 16 million sq. ft. redevelopment of the former Suffolk Downs racetrack, will create 10,000 housing units along with offices and hotels. VHB is providing permitting, resiliency, and transportation services. Dorchester Bay City will remake the approximately 36-acre former Bayside Expo Center site and neighboring properties, creating 19.7 acres of public open space and 21 buildings. VHB is providing resiliency, site/civil engineering, and transportation services. Cambridge Crossing will reimagine a 43-acre neighborhood in East Cambridge with 4.5 million sq. ft. of mixed-use space. VHB is providing services for

offsite improvements.

On the Dot will redevelop 21-plus acres of land along South Boston’s Dorchester Avenue corridor, creating 11 residential and commercial buildings. VHB is providing permitting, site engineering, and roadway design services.

The 425 Medford project will develop the 25.5-acre former Domino Sugar site for mixed use, reconnecting the public to 46 acres of Charlestown’s Mystic River waterfront and addressing flood resiliency. VHB is providing permitting and transportation services.

The 776 Summer project will transform the former Edison power plant in South Boston into 1.68 million sq. ft.

of mixed-use space. VHB is providing transportation permitting, site/civil engineering, and environmental services.

Allston Yards will create a 1.23 million sq. ft. mixed-use development offering 1,000 residences and a one-acre community green. VHB is providing roadway design, permitting, transportation, and site/civil engineering services.

Iron Works will recreate more than 1 million sq. ft. of a South Boston neighborhood with four mixed-use buildings. VHB is providing permitting, civil engineering, and survey services.

Harvard Enterprise Research Campus will help bring the University’s Allston innovation corridor vision to life with a nine-acre mixed-use development. VHB is providing transportation planning services.

Allston Yards / Rendering courtesy of Elkus Manfredi Architects

Harvard Enterprise Research Campus

776 Summer Street

The Fessenden School Completes Campus Renovation Projects

Newton, MA – Erland Construction announced the completion of its latest renovation project at The Fessenden School, accomplished in collaboration with Imai Keller Moore Architects and Lenore Design. Over the summer, Erland completed an array of updates across various areas of the school, including Hyde Hall and faculty housing spaces throughout the campus.

This marks the fifth collaboration between Erland and The Fessenden School. “We are thrilled to have once again collaborated with The Fessenden School on this series of summer renovations,” said Ben McConchie, academic group

manager at Erland. “Our team, along with our partners at Imai Keller Moore and Lenore Design, worked diligently to deliver results in a condensed timeframe that meet and exceed the school’s evolving needs.”

The renovation project involved updating two kitchens and several restrooms, including the installation of new countertops and cabinets. The enhancements also included painting various spaces; upgrading HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems; and installing new flooring, lighting, and millwork throughout the areas.

During the project, Erland prioritized minimizing disruptions to The Fessenden School’s ongoing summer programs. The firm’s representatives say the team meticulously planned and executed each phase of the renovation with the utmost care and precision.

“We are pleased to have completed this much-needed refresh with Erland,” said Mike Grossman, chief operations officer at The Fessenden School. “Their dedication to excellence and proven track record have once again proven them to be the ideal partner for helping us maintain our campus.”

ABC Joins White House Roundtable

Washington – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) recently participated in a White House-sponsored roundtable discussion, “Recovery in the Workplace: Investing to Build the Workforce of Tomorrow,” which convened more than a dozen leading corporations, business groups and government leaders at the White House in Washington, D.C. to highlight the importance of recoveryready and recovery-friendly workplaces and share best practices.

At the roundtable, ABC committed to a Recovery Friendly Workplace Certification, exploring incorporating it into ABC’s STEP Safety Management System and encouraging its 67 chapters and more than 23,000 member companies to also become certified as recoveryfriendly workplaces.

Greg Sizemore, ABC vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development, discussed ABC’s Total Human Health Initiative at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s National Recovery Month Roundtable. ABC developed its Total Human Health Initiative to help contractors keep workers safe with tools to identify, acknowledge and address preoccupying concerns that everyone experiences in daily life, and save lives. “The construction industry has long been

influenced by the outdated mentality that workers should simply ‘suck it up,’ creating a barrier for employees to discuss personal challenges while on the job. Additionally, many older construction workers turn to both legal and illegal substances as a means of coping with pain or musculoskeletal injuries accumulated over their careers.

“To overcome this, we must shift our mindset and foster a caring culture that promotes not only a safe but also a healthy workplace, said Sizemore. “It requires a deliberate effort to break down the barriers that have been built up over the years. This involves encouraging peer-topeer accountability and sharing success stories, whether they involve addiction recovery or simply improving quality of life. Contractors must stop ignoring these issues. Addressing substance use and well-being must be integrated into an employer’s value proposition to every employee and, in many cases, their families.”

Student housing room

Student housing common area

Faculty housing kitchen

Student housing corridor

Interstate offers an empowering and supportive environment that thrives on innovation, collaboration, mentoring , and growth. We provide dynamic careers in many facets that support forward-thinking talented, individuals. Join the trades and become part of an industry that impacts the world!

Gould Construction Institute Completes new 6,300sf Training Facility

Billerica, MA – Windover Construction recently completed a new 6,300sf training facility for Gould Construction Institute (GCI), expanding the school’s hands-on educational opportunities. GCI is the education and training affiliate of Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts (ABC MA).

The state-of-the-art facility is designed to expand and enhance the institute’s offerings and provide students with quality training for all construction phases, from HVAC to electric and carpentry. Representatives say the need

“At the heart of every successful project is a skilled workforce, and training the next generation to enter the trades is essential for the future of our industry,”

– Randy Catlin, Windover’s EVP and COO, and ABC MA board member.

for the institute’s first brick-and-mortar training facility was critical as its current model of renting space for night classes became increasingly difficult. With the new facility, GCI can now offer daytime training classes in its own facility, which includes classrooms, shop spaces, and virtual simulators. Additionally, GCI and ABC MA, in conjunction with its Building Mass Careers workforce development affiliate, will offer programs to bring more people into the trades, such as pre-apprenticeship programs, summer camps, and career fairs.

Windover completed the construction on a fast-track, 12-week schedule to have the space ready for the start of the fall semester. In addition to the demolition of the existing space, the project scope included reworking the building layout and access points, and installing new MEP systems. Windover partnered with several ABC MA members on the project, which Upland Architects designed. The ABC members involved in the project include Medford Wellington Service, Interstate Electrical Services, Karma Contract Flooring, Maguire Company,

Metro Walls, Piping Systems, Superior Contracting Services, Tim’s Fabricators, and W.T. Kenney.

“At the heart of every successful project is a skilled workforce, and training the next generation to enter the trades is essential for the future of our industry,” said Randy Catlin, Windover’s EVP and COO, and ABC MA board member.

“Windover was proud to partner with GCI, ABC, and fellow ABC members on this exciting training facility and help build this foundation for long-term growth, innovation, and quality craftsmanship.”

UCONN’s Newest Residence Hall and Dining Facility

When challenging and complex projects are just part of a seasoned design and construction team’s everyday life, it’s always refreshing to hear them say, “Wow, this was very interesting project to tackle.” Then you know you have a story…

The new Connecticut Hall residences and dining facility on the University of Connecticut’s South Campus is just that kind of story.

The 280,000 sf, multi-story structure was completed in late July, with the official ribbon-cutting on September 13. A striking addition to the campus architecture, the facility offers 657 student beds in the 7-story residence tower, a 500-seat dining hall with multiple dining options, and a 14,000 sf commercial kitchen with ten serving stations. Outdoor spaces are nicely integrated into the setting, which includes a bountiful array of mature plantings.

Bringing all this to fruition was a journey that engaged the University’s campus planning staff, the bridging architect (Sasaki), and the design-build team of KBE Building Corporation (design-builder and constructor)and Newman Architects (architect of record). Other design-build team members included DiBlasi Associates (structural), van Zelm Engineers (MEP/FP), and Langan (civil).

The game plan:

• Take the schematic-level bridging documents to construction document level.

• Coordinate the construction around three other concurrent projects being managed by other construction firms, including two enabling projects essential to bringing the new residence hall online.

• Complete the project on time to meet UCONN’s occupancy schedule – or face daily liquidated damages.

BUILD IT BACKWARDS

How did the team meet the schedule?

“We built it backwards – the schedule, that is,” explains KBE principal Jim Culkin. “You look at your absolute finish date – which for any university building student housing is the date you need to get students moved in. From there, you start evaluating the design packages on how to meet both the start and the finish date.”

Which is the point where the project became very interesting to the seasoned team.

REDESIGNING THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

As the team began digging into the drawings and mapping out the schedule, they quickly realized that the structural system needed to be fully re-designed to meet the project schedule.

“As originally designed, the steel structure had a series of shoring requirements that would have limited our ability to erect steel in the most time-efficient manner possible,” explains KBE principal Jim Culkin. “We had to change it – or miss the end date, which wasn’t among our options.”

MEETING HOUSING EXPECTATIONS FOR TODAY’S STUDENTS

• 280,000 sf, seven story residence hall offering 657 student beds, with the majority in four-bed suites with shared bath.

• The attached 500-seat dining facility offers an array of dining options, supported by a 14,000 sf commercial kitchen with 10+ serving stations, including pizza ovens, BBQ, and more.

• Building design and siting incorporates expansive views of the outdoors and provides many outdoor amenities.

• Heating/cooling through geothermal wells, which will come online in 2025.

• Designed to meet LEED Gold certification, in keeping with the University’s commitment to sustainability.

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“We reconfigured the structural steel floor framing to eliminate all temporary shoring requirements for both the decking and the steel framing,” explains Tom DiBlasi, PE, principal of DiBlasi Associates, who led the structural design team.

“This also meant the structure could be erected continuously, allowing concrete and steel construction to occur at the same time,” adds Ron Rinaldi, KBE’s project manager who oversaw the project throughout.

Compounding the redesign effort was the fact that the new framing system needed to integrate with the lateral ductwork feeding the bedrooms within the living suites, in which the bridging documents called for 9’-8” ceilings.

DiBlasi elaborates: “To overcome this challenge, we designed more than 500 beam penetrations to accommodate the mechanical systems while still retaining the required 9’-8” ceiling height.”

The most remarkable aspect of this design decision was the implementation. All but a handful of the 500+ penetrations were shop fabricated – and fit perfectly. Less than a dozen had to be cut in the field – an admirable result.

KEEPING THE WORK MOVING FORWARD

The Design-Build team began addressing the schedule challenges during the proposal submission phase. “We were hashing out different scenarios as we prepared our proposal,” says KBE’s Culkin. “As a team, we were looking at every angle and every design discipline to see how to achieve the greatest work efficiencies and coordination with other trades.”

Once fully refined and approved by the owner, the team’s phasing plan allowed for the progressive installation of foundations and structure while framing and MEP work were taking place on the other side of the building.

“That approach meant we could have multiple trades on site, efficiently coordinating their work with others and finishing work sequentially, instead of stacking trades,” adds Ron Rinaldi, KBE project manager.

“We designated three separate building zones and coordinated tradework within each,” says Rinaldi. “We typically had more than thirty-five trades and upwards of five hundred tradeworkers on site at any given time, particularly at the height of construction.”

While the schedule was constantly top-of-mind for the whole team, “We never thought to ask for an extension,” says KBE superintendent Sal Emanuele. “We had a date, and we were going to make it.”

WHAT MADE IT ALL WORK?

“All of the work had to be figured out very quickly, as we had to get the foundations in by winter, and we had a thousand different challenges coming at us,” adds Jeff Pleshek, project architect with Newman Architects. “Stressful, yes, but also made the job remarkably interesting. You learn to trust your instincts.”

Architect Jose Hernandez, principal at Newman Architects, sums it up: “It is all about relationships. KBE and Newman, along with DiBlasi Associates and the other design engineers, have worked together on more than a half-dozen design-build projects over the years. Those relationships, the expectation of real time collaboration and the need to think lean, are what make schedules like this achievable.”

KBE is a national construction services firm serving clients through its offices in Farmington and Norwalk, CT; Laurel, MD; New York, NY; and Scottsdale, AZ. www.kbebuilding.com

Progress photo during construction showing constrained site.

The new 280,000 sf Connecticut Hall provides 657 bed and numerous amenities.

With 10+ serving stations, the dining hall already a popular campus destination.

The facility features ample amenity space and extensive sustainable features.

The Universal Benefits of Inclusive Design

by Katherine Berger

The design community frequently espouses that upgraded amenity spaces will entice people back into the office. The truth is the data is still outstanding. Certainly, implementing measures supporting well-being, productivity, and comfort yield valuable benefits, but hybrid work arrangements have changed our lives with no easy return-to-office answers.

Even so, it’s wise for business owners to create workplaces that are as productive and comfortable as possible for all members of their current team along with their potential staff. As it stands, however, a specific group of the workforce has been largely excluded: neurodivergent workers. That’s a mistake.

Divergent Thinkers Bring Valuable Strengths

Neurodivergent people may think differently, meaning they have “different strengths and struggles from people whose brains develop or work more typically,”

according to the Cleveland Clinic, but neurodivergent individuals, says the Deloitte Center for Integrated Research, also possess unique abilities, such as visual thinking, attention to detail, pattern recognition, visual memory, and creative thinking. In fact, research suggests that neurodivergent professionals can increase their work teams’ productivity by 30% beyond other teams’ accomplishments.

Consider, as well, that the nation’s high labor shortage – shown to be 70% in June – has left 70% of employers unable to fill vacant positions. And while we’re seeing an increasing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), too often the neurodiverse aren’t a part of the conversation. Yet employers that make the effort to recruit, retain, and nurture neurodivergent workers can help address labor shortages while creating a competitive edge.

Designing for Differences Benefits All

So, in design, how can we make the workplace more neurodivergent-friendly?

By focusing on human-centered interiors; that is, environments that put the user in the center of the design process. Best is that because the designs meet the different ways people think, learn, and experience the world around them, the practices are good for everyone. Some top recommendations include:

• Noise mitigation and acoustics

• Spatial sequencing, or the creation of high-stimulation areas and lowstimulation areas that can serve as spaces of retreat

• Transitions, hallways, corridors, and other spaces for adjustment

• Safety goes beyond the physical to include mental considerations such as flexibility, customizability, and options for privacy.

Svigals + Partners’ recent design of Kreitler Financial’s New Haven, Conn. headquarters, for example, features effective design approaches that embrace the different ways people work, think, and engage with others. The workplace’s professional, welcoming setting invites people of all abilities into a variety of common, private, and collaborative areas that allow for individual and team work, along with artwork that’s curated to the employees’ interests, instilling a comforting sense of belonging. Daylight from ample windows and the interior’s warm wood accents and earth tones highlight soothing natural elements.

acoustic blades that temper ambient sounds, natural daylight from windows, and a distinctive blue and purple graphic that clearly defines office and lab zones. Better Business Through Good Design

Another example from Svigals + Partners’ multisector portfolio of designs for diverse populations is the new laboratory and workplace headquarters for Quantum-Si. In addition to a variety of common areas, private offices, collaboration zones, and phone booths that accommodate differing work styles, the workplace also introduces sensory elements. Such elements include adjustable lighting, suspended horizontal

Some people estimate that one in every five adults is neurodivergent, while others claim we are all neurodiverse. “All of us have brains that work in different ways, and neurodiversity refers to all of the unique and differing ways in which people can exist, think, process, feel, and act,” says Ellie Middleton, who has grown an audience of more than a quarter million followers on LinkedIn as an expert on how to better support disabled communities at work. “There are neurotypical people, whose functioning falls within societal standards and norms, and neurodivergent people, whose functioning falls outside of those norms,” including those with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

More attention is needed for people with sensory and developmental differences who experience anxiety, sensory stimulation, and communication challenges. While measures like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offer a valuable step forward, many people believe that even the ADA doesn’t address a full scope of inclusion and accessibility. Many disabilities, after all, aren’t visible. Designs for environments that are comfortable and productive for everyone can help businesses bring more people into the workplace. Simply put, it’s good design.

Katherine Berger, NCIDQ, WELL AP, is an associate principal and director of interior design for Svigals + Partners.

Kreitler Financial

Quantum-Si

Ribbon Cut on $39M Fossil Fuel-free Apartment Community in Lawrence

Lawrence, MA – WinnCompanies recently joined with federal, state and local officials to open one of the first all-electric mixed-income multifamily properties in Massachusetts, cutting the ribbon on a $39.2 million adaptive reuse development that transformed the oldest mill in Lawrence into 86 units of rental housing.

Massachusetts Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Massachusetts Housing Secretary Ed Augustus, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Regional Administrator Juana B. Matias, and Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena were among those who celebrated Stone Mill Lofts, offering 58 apartments for households earning up to 60% of Area Median Income (AMI), 11 apartments for those earning up to 30% AMI and 17 market rate units inside the 179-year-old Stone Mill building.

“The origin story of the City of Lawrence comes full circle today as we unveil a beautifully restored 19th century manufacturing landmark that is now fully

equipped with 21st century energy-efficient building systems,” said WinnDevelopment president and managing partner, Larry Curtis. “Thanks to our partners, this two-year construction effort has delivered much-needed mixed-income housing for households who will help write the next chapter in the Lawrence success story.”

The development’s fossil fuel-free design is projected to use 46% less energy and emit 33% fewer greenhouse gases than a typical gas-fired multifamily structure. The energy efficient design, including heat pumps and energy recovery systems, is expected to save 177 metric tons of avoided greenhouse gas emissions each year.

WinnDevelopment senior project director, Angela Gile, worked with The Architectural Team (TAT), historical consultant the Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc., and sustainability consultant New Ecology, Inc. to implement plans that preserved the building’s unique historic characteristics while installing four inches of insulation and high-performance, triple-pane historic replica windows, creating an airtight and durable building envelope and making high-efficiency electric building mechanical systems electrification feasible.

“We believe Stone Mill Lofts is one of the most significant projects to result from our longstanding partnership with WinnDevelopment because it sets a new standard for how historic preservation and adaptive reuse can address the affordable housing crisis and climate change at the same time,” said TAT project manager,

Scott Maenpaa. “This is the future of historic adaptive reuse, and we’re honored to be a part of this story.”

Managed by WinnResidential, Stone Mill Lofts blends one-bedroom units with family-sized apartments, offering 50 one-bedroom apartments, 28 two-bedroom two-bath units and eight three-bedroom two-bath units. Each of the 86 apartment units include large window openings and the integration of existing historic elements such as exposed, original wood beam ceilings. On-site amenities include a resident lounge and kitchen, billiards room, a fitness center with interactive equipment and a yoga nook, a children’s playroom, indoor bicycle parking, resident storage lockers, work from home pods, a secure package room, a historic mill exhibit room, landscaped outdoor areas, and a patio.

Keith Construction, Inc. served as the general contractor for the project. The development team also included R.W. Sullivan Engineering; VHB; Odeh Engineers; McPhail Associates, LLC; Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc.; and Axiom Partners, Inc. Robinson + Cole LLP served as legal counsel. WinnDevelopment purchased the site in August 2021.

Stone Mill Lofts

Stone Mill Lofts ribbon-cutting

Stone Mill Lofts

Lori Trahan

Juana B. Matias

Brian DePena

Bedroom

Community room

Apartment

High-Profile Focus: Corporate and Interiors

Organizations and Events

Brown Unveils Design for Signature Life Sciences Research Facility in Providence

Organizations and Events

PWC CT Welcomes New Board

Hartford, CT – The Professional Women in Construction Connecticut Chapter (PWC CT) recently welcomed its

for the 2021-2022 program year.

– The Professional Women in Construction Connecticut Chapter (PWC CT) recently welcomed its new board of directors for the 2021-2022 program year.

Patricia Bilotto returns as chapter president. She is the manager of marketing and business development for van Zelm Engineers. She has nearly 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, and business development in the AEC industry, and presently serves on the program, membership, and awards committees.

Danoff Laboratories / Rendering courtesy of TenBerke Providence, RI – Brown University has unveiled the design for its planned facility for integrated life sciences research, a 7-story, 300,000sf structure that will provide labs and workspace for research in aging, immunity, brain science, cancer, and biomedical engineering, among other fields.

illuminated by natural light, a street-level education lab accessible to the public, and interior and exterior gathering spaces. The building is being designed by TenBerke, in collaboration with Ballinger.

Carolyn Kurth, CPA, CFE, of CohnReznick, will return as treasurer. She serves on the scholarship committee.

The building will be named the William A. and Ami Kuan Danoff Life Sciences Laboratories — to be referred to commonly as Danoff Laboratories — in recognition of a gift from the couple. Signature elements of the development include state-of-the-art laboratory spaces

Laurann Asklof, principal of Shipman & Goodwin, LLP, will serve on the board as vice president. She has approximately 30 years of experience in the area of construction law and litigation. She will continue to participate in the chapter’s programs, mentorship, and scholarship committees.

Dawn Meeker, director at Marcum, LLP, is returning for a second year as chapter secretary. She now serves as the membership chair and will continue as a volunteer on the awards committee.

Kim Colapietro, partner of EDI Landscape, LLC, returns for her third year on the board. She serves as the awards committee chair.

Powered by 100% renewable electricity with emergency backup for resiliency, the all-electric laboratory building will be a first for Brown and stand as one of the first “net zero” lab constructions in New England. The facility is set to become the largest academic laboratory building in Rhode Island.

Kyma Ganzer, project manager at

LaRosa Building Group, returns for her second year as a director. She is the recipient of the 2019/2020 PWC CT Rising Star Award. She will serve on the mentorship committee.

Choity Khan, associate attorney at Robinson Cole, makes her debut on the board as a director. She presently serves on the mentorship committee.

“Brown has bold aspirations to develop a biomedical ecosystem where innovations can move seamlessly from research and discovery to solutions with direct, real-life impact for patients and communities,” said University President Christina H. Paxson. “Central to this vision is this cutting-edge research facility where Brown’s exceptional faculty, students and staff will work together to tackle some of the most daunting challenges facing human health globally.”

Jennifer Marks, principal at BL Companies, returns for her second year. She will serve as the mentorship committee chair.

The building site is on Richmond Street across from Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School near Ship and Elbow Streets in Providence’s Jewelry District. Noah Biklen, senior principal of TenBerke who is leading the project design team, said the architecture team designed the building’s exterior to ensure its successful integration in the neighborhood, and that the base of the facility will be made from regionally sourced masonry and stone in a nod to the facades of nearby factory buildings. The seven stories will be stacked in a calibrated grid design of metal and glass, inspired by the tactility, depth and tones of the nearby industrial buildings.

At ground level, the building will be surrounded by open space, a publicly accessible patio, and an area designated for a cafe with seating. Passersby will be able to peer inside to the lobby, a flexible auditorium and an education lab.

The first floor will also house spaces for

interactions with participants in clinical trials for new medical treatments or other patient-based research. Landscaping has been designed with community connections in mind, with paths through and around the building.

Ronald Paolillo, M. Arch of DRA Architects, begins his third term. He serves on the PWC CT’s scholarship committee.

Blerina (Bela) Pina, surety territory manager at Nationwide, returns for a second year. She volunteers on the chapter’s communications committee.

Amy Ray, director of business development at EDM, makes her debut as a director. She serves as the communications committee chair and volunteer of the programs committee.

Auditorium and education lab

Rendering courtesy of TenBerke

Danoff Laboratories will have capacity to provide lab space for 75 principal investigators, with a total of roughly 700 life sciences researchers expected to move into the facility in phases. A physical bridge will connect the building to Brown’s Laboratories for Molecular Medicine at 70 Ship St., which will support research and collaboration continuity.

Mobilization of the site for enabling work began in summer 2024, and pending progress in fundraising and full construction authorization by Brown’s governing board, the university is targeting a 2027 completion date for the building. Suffolk Construction will serve as lead contractor.

Wet labs with adjacent work spaces / Rendering courtesy of Ballinger

Meeting and dining areas / Rendering courtesy of Ballinger

The 2021-2022 PWC CT board (l-r): Choity Khan, Blerina Pina, Amy Ray, Patricia Bilotto, Dawn Meeker, Laurann Asklof, Carolyn Kurth, Kyma Ganzer, and Jennifer Marks. Not pictured: Kim Colapietro and Ronald Paolillo

Boston Sports Institute – Wellesley, MA

Fed Ex Distribution Center – Johnston, RI

Restoration and Renovation

Abbot Completes Comprehensive Repair Project at Historic Hyde Park Theatre

Boston – Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc. recently completed a comprehensive masonry repair project at the historic Riverside Theatre located in the Cleary/Logan Square area of Hyde Park in Boston.

The 3-story brick building was originally constructed in 1897, sustained a fire 15 months later, and was immediately rebuilt surpassing its original size. Completed in 1899, the new rebuild retained parts of the earlier facade, and included a 700-seat opera house auditorium, with a masonic hall on the third floor. Now, the first floor is used for retail while the upper floors are used to provide a portfolio of fine arts programs for young adults in New England and throughout the U.S.

The scope of the work focused on the deteriorated front and left sides of the building facade. The major portion of the project involved the replacement of the rusted steel lintels above the second floor windows that could only be accessed by taking out the decorative jack arches over each window. Abbot removed the rusted old lintels, replaced them with new matching galvanized lintels, and

installed flashing on the lintels. The jack arches were then returned to their original position. Abbot also cut and pointed various locations on the facades.

Abbot then demolished and replaced the damaged brick primarily located around the step cracks that in some instances had formed as a result of the

rusted lintels above the second floor windows. Finally, Abbot performed minor repairs to the roofline where the rubber at the top of the barrel arch was stripped and the flashing along the ledge where the barrel arch meets the roofline was replaced.

Representatives of Abbot say the most challenging aspect of the project was the difficulty in resourcing an appropriate color and size of the original older brick and that, in the end, they were able to locate a sufficient number of bricks to mix into the facades along with the original bricks they were able to salvage. Combined with the use of matching pointing, the overall appearance is as if the work had never been done. The project was completed on time.

In October 1995, the Massachusetts Historical Commission announced that the Riverside Theatre building contributes to the architectural quality of the Cleary/ Logan Square area thus making it eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Riverside Theatre

Mixed-Use

Boston’s Planning Department Advances new Development Projects

Boston – Boston’s Planning Department recently recommended approval of seven new development projects to the BPDA board. All were approved.

The 1274 Massachusetts Avenue project will combine four parcels, some of which currently sit empty, to build a 6-story building with ground floor retail and 45 rental units in Dorchester. Eight of those units will be income-restricted. The project will include adding trees to increase shade and cooling efforts in the neighborhood, improvements to the sidewalks, and new curb extensions.

The 819 Cummins Highway project converts four parcels of currently vacant land in Mattapan into 40 homeownership units, including seven income-restricted units. It will include retail space, and a community room and fitness center for residents. A large landscaped plaza will also be installed at the project site. This project is enabled by, and aligned with, Squares + Streets zoning, and is also contextually aligned with PLAN: Mattapan.

The project at 295 West First Street will build 236 new residential units, including 36 income-restricted units, in a formerly industrial area of South Boston. The ground floor will include community, cultural, and retail space, as well as a community cafe. A nonprofit organization will be selected as the anchor tenant for this space. In addition, there will be pub-

licly accessible open space on site.

Located in the South End, the 615 Albany Street project is part of the city’s Office to Residential Conversion Incentive PILOT program, which officially launched in October of 2023. The project will add a sixth story to extend the building and convert it into 24 residential units, five of which will be income-restricted.

Located in the West End, the 129 Portland Street project is also part of the city’s Office to Residential Conversion Incentive PILOT program. It includes the renovation of an existing building to create 25 new residential units, including five income-restricted units. The currently vacant ground floor retail space will be renovated.

What is currently a single-family home located at 90 Allandale Street in West Roxbury will become eight new homeownership units. This project aligns with the preservation goals of the Open Space and Recreation Plan with respect to Allandale Woods through its conservation of the forested area of the site. New sidewalks and a high-visibility crosswalk will be added in the vicinity.

The 500 Huntington Avenue project will bring new life science/office space with ground floor retail and commercial space to Mission Hill. Within the two buildings that make up this project, there will be bike parking and publicly accessible open space. The project will work with nearby Wentworth Institute of Technology to facilitate a workforce development program to provide pathways to life science careers for Boston residents.

As part of the approval of the 20242026 Institutional Master Plan (IMP) for the Boston University (BU) Charles River Campus, BU will renovate Warren Towers, renovate Mugar Library, and construct the new Pardee School of Global Studies. Additionally, the Commonwealth Avenue streetscape directly outside the building will be reconstructed, and a parking lot will be converted into new green space.

As part of the approval of the First Amendment of the 2022-2024 IMP for Berklee College of Music, the 1249 Boylston Street project will renovate and convert a building in the Fenway into academic space with ground floor retail. As part of the approval of the 20232025 IMP for Boston College, the 117 Lake Street project will be an addition to the existing Theology and Ministry Library on the Brighton campus known as the Catholic Religious Archives. This building will store collections, artwork, and cultural artifacts.

The BPDA board of directors also authorized the release of a Request for Proposals to redevelop the property at 626-628 Warren Street in Roxbury. The RFP allows for proposals that include either a residential development with the potential for ground floor commercial space or improved public open space. These uses are the result of a public process which was first launched at the end of 2022, and ongoing community dialogue.

129 Portland Street

295 West First Street

819 Cummins Highway 615 Albany Street

90 Allandale Street

1274 Massachusetts Avenue

500 Huntington Avenue

Multi-Residential

$7.5M Bond Issued for Affordable Housing in Lynn

Lynn, MA – MassDevelopment has issued a $7,520,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of Catalyst Housing LLC, an affiliate of Harborlight Homes and The Haven Project.

The organizations will use bond proceeds to buy the upper floors of 57-65 Munroe St. in Lynn – a 12,983sf condo within a historic commercial building –and renovate them to create 24 affordable, service-enriched studio apartments for formerly homeless young adults ages 18 to 24. All units will be rented to individuals earning up to 30% of the area median income ($31,150 for a oneperson household). Catalyst Housing will be staffed by an on-site caseworker and The Haven Project will offer additional supportive services from its existing service center on the second floor of the building.

Harborlight Homes created a forprofit affiliate, Catalyst Housing LLC, for the purposes of facilitating this tax-exempt financing. The tax-exempt bond, purchased by Eastern Bank, helped Catalyst Housing LLC achieve a lower cost of capital. In addition to the taxexempt bond, MassDevelopment assisted the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities with the approval of federal low-income housing tax credits that will provide approximately $6.4 million in equity for the project.

“These affordable studio units will

place a roof over the head of housinginsecure young adults in Lynn, providing stability as they prepare for their futures,” said acting MassDevelopment president and CEO, Dan O’Connell. “We are pleased to partner with Eastern Bank to help Harborlight Homes and The Haven Project make this project a reality.”

“We take pride in the vision embodied by the Catalyst Housing project, which aims to provide sanctuary and opportunity, especially for our young adults,” said Lynn Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “The City allocated ARPA funds to support this project in recognition of its commitment to prioritize affordable housing and empower our residents through supportive services.”

Harborlight Homes is a nonprofit, Massachusetts-certified community development corporation that develops, manages, and advocates for quality, service-enriched affordable housing with wrap-around services for low-earning families, vulnerable elders, essential workers, those who are disabled, or those who have experienced homelessness. The Haven Project was established in 2011 to address a gap in services to unaccompanied homeless young adults in Lynn and surrounding communities. The organization provides direct service to more than 300 housing unstable youth, ages 17-24, each year.

Construction Law Group

Representing:

Owners, Developers, General Contractors, Construction Managers, Architects, Engineers, Sub-Contractors and Suppliers

Dealing With All Phases of the Construction Process Including:

• Construction Consulting Contract Formation and Review

• Delay Claims, Extra Work Claims

• Change Orders, Mid Contract Disputes

• Mediation, Arbitration, Litigation

• Mechanic Liens

• Construction Documentation Including Contracts, General Conditions and Requirements, etc.

• Bond Claims

Surety Litigation

• Insolvency Issues

• Environmental and Siting Issues

• Real Estate Law Unmatched

Attorneys:

Douglas A. Giron

Edward D. Pare

Michael P. Robinson

Jeremy B. Savage

Jonathan N. Savage

Dean J. Wagner

Renderings courtesy of SV Design

Girard R. Visconti

David M. Campbell

Joseph P. Carnevale IV

Larissa B. DeLisi

Christopher J. Fragomeni

Dacon Completes 155,000sf Flex Warehouse Space

Salem, NH – Dacon Corporation recently completed the construction of 6 Industrial Way in collaboration with Paul V. Profeta & Associates.

A 155,000sf flex warehouse space contiguous to I-93, 6 Industrial Way lies three blocks from the Exit 2 four-way interchange, offering signage visible on I-93 in both north and southbound lanes. It acts as a New England distribution

6 Industrial Way

hub that can host up to five tenants and is the tallest building in the northern Massachusetts industrial market.

The building has an interior clear height of 40 feet (offering several mezzanine options) with a 60 feet speed bay, 28 dock doors and two at-grade drive-in doors. The site also accommodates a storage area for 22 trailer parking stalls. Sheergard Composite Solutions, a manufacturer of

radomes and electromagnetic windows that are used to protect radar antennas for the defense and space industries, has leased the first 55,000sf.

Paul V. Profeta and Associates Inc. is an entrepreneurial real estate investment and development company involved in all major asset classes including office, retail, multi-family, mixed-use, and industrial, acting as a value-add investor, renovator,

developer and landlord. The company has developed warehouse and distribution facilities in major cities across the U.S. Profeta also condo-converted the 7 Industrial warehouse across the street from this facility. Colliers International New England and Goodnow Real Estate Services are the co-brokers for the property.

Education

Callahan Completes Renovations to Bentley University’s Forest Hall

Waltham, MA – Callahan Construction Managers announced it has completed a fast-track renovation ahead of schedule for Bentley University’s Forest Hall dormitory, a residential building that houses sophomores, juniors, and seniors in suite-style units.

Bentley, a private university located in Waltham, selected Callahan to oversee the renovation of 81 bathrooms within Forest Hall due to its extensive experience in both residential and higher education construction. “It was essential that the project team understood the compressed schedule and the need to turn the building over as soon as possible,” said Jon Nattinville, director – planning and construction, Bentley University. “We were pleased with the work completed by Callahan Construction, which provided critical updates to Forest Hall, a popular student residence facility.”

The Callahan team worked in tight confines that only allowed for one or two workers to be in the impacted bathroom area at a time. This constraint, combined with a 10-week turnaround for delivery of the finished spaces, demanded that the team not deviate from completion date goals. Representatives of Callahan say aggressive schedule tracking and constant progress monitoring by both field and project management staff were essential for a successful turnover ahead of the projected completion date, along with frequent communication with the Bentley facilities team.

“We understand the pressures that higher education customers are under to expedite essential projects during the summer break,” said Steve Callahan, Jr., vice president – business development, Callahan. “With a unique combination of experience across affordable housing,

Improving Energy Efficiency for Building Sustainability.

higher education, and interior fit-outs, we were uniquely positioned to tackle this dormitory renovation and ensure students returned to a fully-functional building with modern bathroom facilities.”

Wessling Architects provided design services on this renovation project.

Forest Hall

Trends and Hot Topics

Single-sided vs. Double-sided Benches: Choosing the Best Option for your Lab

by Ed St. Peter

When designing a lab, choosing between single-sided or double-sided benches is a key decision. Both options offer unique advantages depending on the lab’s specific needs. Double-sided benches, or island benches, provide workspace and storage accessible from both sides. They are popular in labs with multiple users, encouraging collaboration and efficient use of space. In contrast, single-sided benches offer workspace from one side only and are typically used along the perimeter of a room.

Lab Size and Utilities

A major consideration in selecting a bench type is the lab’s size and utility needs, particularly electrical and plumbing requirements. Double-sided benches are ideal for larger labs with high personnel

counts, as they can support more utility connections and minimize infrastructure costs by serving both sides of the bench from a single connection point. This makes them particularly well-suited for teaching labs or industrial settings where many users need access to utilities.

However, labs with limited floor space or flexible workflows may benefit from single-sided benches, which can be fixed to or moved against walls to maximize open floor space. This flexibility is advantageous in labs where personnel need room to move around freely.

Storage and Organization

The type of bench you choose also affects your storage options. Double-sided benches allow for shelving accessible from both sides, enabling workers to store materials separately without disrupting colleagues on the other side. This setup works well for labs where tasks are highly differentiated between workers.

On the other hand, single-sided benches often have shelving installed directly in front of users, typically against a wall. This allows for efficient use of space while maintaining easy access to storage. Single-sided benches are ideal

Double-sided bench

for conserving floor space while still allowing for adjacent workstations.

Workflow Considerations

The way your lab operates will influence your bench choice. If tasks require close collaboration, double-sided benches are ideal since they allow multiple users to work on the same tasks simultaneously. Single-sided benches, however, are better suited for labs where individuals work independently or alongside each other

without the need for constant interaction. Both types of benches can be fixed or mobile, with mobile benches offering flexibility as workflow changes. Additionally, many bench designs are height-adjustable to accommodate users of varying heights or those with specific accessibility needs.

Safety, Cleaning, and Budget

Safety and cleanliness are essential factors in lab design. Regardless of the bench type, there must be enough room for safe movement within the lab, in compliance with institutional safety standards and regulations such as those from OSHA. Additionally, benches should be easy to clean and maintain, especially in labs that require sterilization.

Budget is another important consideration. Double-sided benches tend to be more expensive upfront, but they offer cost savings in labs with many personnel because they reduce the need for separate utility installations. Singlesided benches are more cost-effective for smaller labs or labs with fewer workers.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between singlesided and double-sided benches depends on your lab’s size, workflow, storage needs, and budget. Single-sided benches are ideal for labs that need to maximize floor space and wall storage, while doublesided benches provide more utilities, storage, and collaborative workspace. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the best bench configuration for your lab’s specific needs.

Ed St. Peter is managing member of STEM Solutions, LLC.

Single-sided bench

Training and Recruitment

Bridge 2 Trades Celebrates 2024 Graduates

Randolph, MA – Bridge 2 Trades (B2T), a program founded by New England Patriots’ captain, Deatrich Wise Jr., and NEI General Contracting, announced the graduation of its 2024 cohort of students. The graduation ceremony was held at Patriot Place in Foxboro.

Bridge 2 Trades was established to connect students with practical, realworld exposure and training that equips them with the skills needed across various industries, construction being the first of many trades Wise Jr. and B2T will tackle. Each year, B2T focuses on fields facing a shortfall of skilled workers. The 2024 B2T six-week exploratory program, co-led by NEI, provided students with certifications such as OSHA 10 and First Aid, CPR and Narcan, as well as workshops on drone operation, building information modeling (BIM), and exposure to plan reading, project management and pre-construction concepts. Students were also exposed to hands-on experiences in the construction industry, including training in plumbing and electrical, during their site visits to local union training centers. NEI led day-to-day operations and facilitated workshops that brought the curriculum to life.

“Our collaboration with NEI has been instrumental in delivering a program that truly makes a difference in the lives of young people,” said Wise Jr. “By providing access to mentorship and real-world experiences, we are helping to build a workforce that is not only skilled

but also confident in their abilities to succeed.”

“At Bridge 2 Trades, our mission extends beyond teaching trade skills; we’re committed to developing wellrounded individuals,” said Taisha Crayton, director of Bridge 2 Trades.

“Our students receive both professional and personal development training, equipping them with real-world strategies to stand out in a competitive industry,

grow and protect their personal brand, and consistently show up prepared and as the best version of themselves. We are so thrilled about our partnership with NEI, whose expertise has been vital in launching this program.”

NEI’s diversity and inclusion director, Andre’ Barbour, was deeply involved with the 2024 cohort. “Too often, career paths are seen as one-size-fits-all, but programs like B2T demonstrate that there

Tech Talent Ecosystem Summit Held in Connecticut

North Haven, CT – College and university faculty, CEOs, hiring managers, and workforce strategists gathered recently at the Tech Talent Ecosystem Summit to discuss strategies for ensuring that Connecticut has enough tech-ready workers for its tech economy.

The Connecticut Tech Talent Accelerator, an idea of the state’s Office of Workforce Strategy, was launched in 2022, to create pathways from the state’s public and independent higher education institutions into the desirable jobs of the present and future. Supported by two rounds of funding, this required collaboration between business leaders and college/university faculty to identify knowledge, skills, and abilities that everyone agreed were necessary for students to enter tech professions, to revise or create the curriculum to teach these skills, and document competency with credentials.

The Tech Talent Accelerator has

created 15 academic pathways, engaged 13 higher education institutions, engaged 34 industry partners, logged 305 course enrollments to date, and made progress on bringing more underrepresented students and workers into tech programs and positions. It has the capacity for 300 students per semester to participate statewide.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont

spoke at the Tech Talent Ecosystem Summit. “We are making historic investments in workforce development in Connecticut,” he said. “The Tech Talent Accelerator recognizes the critical role that colleges and universities play in educating the workforce, strengthened by the insight and involvement of business leaders.”

“Through the collaborative leadership

are multiple ways to build a successful and fulfilling career,” said Barbour. “NEI is proud to work alongside Deatrich and B2T, as our missions align in creating opportunities for young people to secure their futures. We look forward to following the careers of these graduates and hope to welcome many of them to NEI’s projects in the future.”

of the Business Higher Education Forum and the New England Board Higher Education, these programs have worked with Connecticut higher education and industry partners to help provide training for students now and in the future,” said Chief Workforce Officer Kelli-Marie Vallieres, PhD.

The Tech Talent Ecosystem event also focused on the next frontier of businesses’ tech talent needs, including AI and Quantum, and explored how the TTA model can be leveraged as technology continues to advance rapidly and Connecticut strives to be a leading force in the tech economy.

“Connecticut has one of the most highly skilled workforces in the world,” said CBIA president and CEO, Chris DiPentima. “With emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, growing the tech talent ecosystem is critical for unlocking the state’s tremendous economic potential.”

Trends and Hot Topics

Researcher Patents Sensor that Tracks Movements in Buildings and Bridges

Rolla, MO – A researcher at Missouri University of Science and Technology has been awarded a patent for a sensor he says can track if composite building materials have even the tiniest of movements and help prevent structures from collapsing or having less integrity.

“The most common example of composite materials in construction is beams made from both steel and concrete,

but the main idea is to have two different materials bonded together to enhance the strength of a structure,” says Dr.

Genda Chen, S&T’s Robert W. Abbett distinguished chair in civil engineering and director of the Center for Intelligent Infrastructure and the INSPIRE University Transportation Center. “These materials should have zero movement. If they separate for whatever reason, this can lead to some significant problems with the structure and its safety.”

To monitor movements that could be as small as one micrometer — or one-thousandth of a millimeter — Chen has patented a device that uses a mirror connected to a fiber-optic cable about as thick as a human hair follicle. This sensor can be connected directly onto a structure’s steel and concrete composites and is designed so that the mirror, which has a microscopic pattern on it, can use light and reflections in multiple ways to measure any displacement, or change in positions, between the materials.

“What is exciting is this technology can be a non-destructive testing method when the sensor is installed during construction, and there is a serious need

for this,” says Chen. “Movements will be detected much sooner, and then engineers can work to re-bond the materials.”

Chen says the sensor is likely still several years away from being commercialized and available on a large scale, but that he is excited to be awarded the patent and begin taking the next steps toward it eventually being used by structural engineers.

“Working to develop technology that

is so directly applicable to real life is dear to my heart,” he says. “As I have advanced in my career over the past three decades, my research has increasingly focused on concepts that could more quickly make a tangible, real difference for society.”

Other inventors on the patent with Chen include Drs. Jie Gao, a former S&T faculty member, and Chuanrui Guo, an S&T alumnus who earned a Ph.D. in civil engineering under Chen’s supervision.

Genda Chen

Philanthropy

Griffin Electric Supports Local Students with Annual Backpack Drive

Holliston, MA – Wayne J. Griffin Electric Inc. (Griffin Electric) recently held its annual Back-To-School Backpack Drive. Griffin Electric partnered with the Holliston Pantry Shelf and Medway House Family Shelter to donate backpacks and essential school supplies, as well as gift cards for any additional needs, to local students as it has each year for more than a decade.

The Holliston Pantry Shelf has been in business for over 30 years and provides nearly 200 families throughout the town of Holliston with access to free food and personal care items. The Medway House Family Shelter houses families in need and works with them to arrange permanent and affordable housing. The Griffin team has partnered with these two organizations across a number of initiatives over the years.

Headquartered in Holliston, Griffin Electric also has regional offices in

Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia. Representatives of the company say Griffin makes it a priority to facilitate charitable opportunities in these areas and has made a clear commitment to support their local communities, and that the willingness of Griffin employees to participate in these important causes helps create a lasting impact on those who are in need.

The KBE Foundation Continues Tradition of Community Support

Farmington, CT – The KBE Foundation announced that its mission of community support this summer included everything from serving BBQ lunches to veterans and their families to helping land fish at the Special Olympics fishing derby to hosting its annual charity golf tournament to provide scholarships to technical high school students.

The KBE Foundation is a registered nonprofit charitable organization established in affiliation with the KBE Building Corporation to continue KBE’s long history of philanthropic giving. The foundation provides financial support and volunteer staff for charitable events, with more than $4.2 million in community support since 2009.

In August, a group of KBE staff and their families headed to the Farmington Polo Grounds in Farmington to support the Special Olympics Unified Fishing

Tournament. KBE was the founding sponsor for the event, now in its seventh year. The fishing tournament draws Special Olympians from around the country. The volunteers worked with the athletes on all aspects of fishing in the freshly stocked pond, from baiting hooks to shouting encouragement when someone hooked a fish.

In September, the foundation continued its tradition of serving lunch to veterans and their families, along with staff, at the state-run Veterans Center in Newington. At its fifth annual event on Sept. 11, KBE volunteers served over 200 veterans and their family members and facilities staff with a lunch catered by Mission BBQ.

First held in 2015, the KBE Foundation’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament has drawn hundreds of golfers and raised thousands of dollars for

the organization’s technical high school scholarship program. This year’s day-long event, held again at the Country Club of Waterbury on Sept. 16, hosted more than 100 golfers. To date, the foundation has provided $150,000 in scholarships to 137 Connecticut technical high school seniors pursuing construction careers. The scholarships are designed to encourage

young women and men to enter the construction trades as well as construction management programs. The dollars can be used to purchase tools, trade licensing and certifications, and tuition for safety/ trade skill training, as well as tuition for college-based construction management programs.

Special Olympics Unified Fishing Tournament

KBE Foundation’s 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Veterans Center in Newington, Conn.

CT ABC Supports Veterans at ‘Behind the Build’ Event

Bloomfield, CT- The Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut’s (CT ABC) Emerging Leaders Group (ELG) recently hosted a “Behind the Build” presentation, organized by the ELG Committee and held at Back East Brewery in Bloomfield.

Leading Edge Construction was responsible for building the brewery

during the 2020 pandemic. At the event, Leading Edge owner and ELG member, Todd Lessard, addressed the crowd, discussing the challenges they faced while emphasizing the importance of collaborating with subcontractors and maintaining open communication during each phase of the project.

Following the presentation, members

Representatives

part of the organization’s National Suit Shipment Campaign.

Established in 2016, CT ABC’s Emerging Leaders Group aims to provide professional development and networking opportunities for the chapter members under the age of 40. The group now includes over 120 young professionals from CT ABC member firms.

The Leading Edge team Todd Lessard spoke at the event

Awards

Northeast Metro Tech Students Win Award for Build-a-Bureau Program

Wakefield, MA – The junior carpentry class at Northeast Metro Tech recently won an Apex Award for best PR Campaigns, Programs and Plans for Build-a-Bureau.

Build-a-Bureau is a pilot program funded by Camber Development and Dacon’s Designed with Dignity philanthropy in which 32 students are constructing

3-drawer bureaus for shelter children transitioning into apartments. This grant was given to mark the commencement of 800 Salem, a 238,000sf fully electric flex warehouse facility in Wilmington. The furniture is being distributed by Mission of Deeds, a turnaround organization where sheltered families can shop for household goods for free.

The Apex Awards is a national competition for communications programs in which 1,100 entries were evaluated across 13 categories. Ninety-three PR initiatives were submitted for Campaigns, Programs and Plans. “Build-a-Bureau: Harvesting Vocational Talent to Help Sheltered Children” was one of 12 programs nationwide given a Grand Award for this category.

KBE Recognized for Safety Performance

Farmington, CT – KBE Building Corporation announced it has recently been recognized for its exemplary efforts in ensuring safe work sites.

Associated Builders and Contractors has awarded KBE the Diamond STEP award, its highest safety recognition. This is the third consecutive year that KBE has earned Diamond level recognition, which is based on the firm’s exemplary record of low accident rates on its jobsites. KBE has been consistently recognized over the last 25+ years with Platinum and Gold STEP awards.

In addition, KBE has achieved an Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of 0.65 for the current rating period. The EMR is a measure used by the insurance industry to evaluate a company’s safety performance. A lower EMR indicates fewer workplace accidents and a strong safety culture, leading to lower insurance

premiums. Achieving an EMR of 0.65 places KBE well below the industry average.

“Our EMR rating of 0.65 reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff and the leadership of our Safety Team,” said Mike Kolakowski, president and CEO of KBE Building Corporation. “Safety is not just a priority; it is a core value at KBE. We invest in rigorous training and preventive measures to ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.”

It was the only program submitted run by high school students. A ceremony was held for the students, marked by certificates and a breakfast made by the culinary class.

Build-a-Bureau is Northeast Metro Tech’s first furniture program. Lauren Nowicki, chief communications officer at

Dacon, said, “Vocational schools are an excellent source for talent and leadership training. These students demonstrate how teenagers can actively contribute to solving societal problems. We thank our friends at Camber Development and Mission of Deeds for this group effort to aid underserved children.”

Hancock Associates Announcements

Danvers, MA – Hancock Associates announced that Joseph D. Peznola, PE has been promoted to vice president of engineering.

Peznola has nearly 35 years of industry experience and has been an engineer at Hancock Associates for over 20 years. He has extensive experience with complex, high density commercial and residential developments throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire for private sector clients, nonprofit organizations and municipalities.

As vice president of engineering, Peznola will continue to be responsible for managing the engineering department across Hancock’s eight offices, project management and technical quality control and assurance. In his expanded role, he will assist in the strategic planning and evolution of the civil engineering department, daily operations, technology growth, business development, personnel growth and more.

Peznola is a registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, a Massachusetts Certified Soil Evaluator and a Licensed Septic Designer in New Hampshire.

The firm also announced that Jay Polakiewicz has passed the professional engineering exam and is now a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Massachusetts.

Polakiewicz joined Hancock Associates in 2017 through Hancock’s internship program as an instrument operator. He was promoted to project manager in 2023. He is a certified soil evaluator.

“Jay has been an integral part of multiple high profile development projects over the years. He has an extremely high level of technical ability and understanding of nuances of town workings, regulations and key players. Earning his PE license further solidifies his success in the field and at Hancock Associates,” said Peznola.

Warren Honored with DBIA Award

Washington – The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has announced Don G. Warren, FDBIA as the recipient of the 2024 Brunelleschi Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award is named after architect and engineer Filippo Brunelleschi, and is DBIA’s highest honor. It recognizes individuals whose careers have significantly advanced the principles and practice of design-build. Warren is a founding father of DBIA and has nearly five decades of experience in the construction industry.

ally president and CEO at Suitt Construction. He has remained deeply engaged in advancing the DBIA’s mission and best practices. He served on the DBIA board for seven years, including his tenure as chair in 1998. He has also served as chair of DBIA’s College of Fellows Mentoring Committee and is a certified DBIA instructor.

“Design-Build Done Right is embedded in Don Warren’s DNA,” said Rik Kunnath, FDBIA, a past DBIA chairman and Brunelleschi Award winner.

Weston & Sampson Hires Two

Reading, MA – Weston & Sampson announced it recently welcomed Linda Cook as a senior technical leader and Melissa Davis, REM as a senior project manager.

Cook has more than 35 years of experience in the analysis, assessment, and interpretation of environmental chemistry data. With expertise in PFAS analysis and data reliability, she has supported clients in the assessment of existing PFAS data. She has helped overcome the challenges associated with generating reliable PFAS chemistry data. Cook is also a frequent presenter and writer on data management and forensics.

Davis has over 25 years of experience in a wide variety of senior environmental and compliance positions. Her expertise

is in developing policies and implementing regulations to ensure compliance, including licensing and permitting, acquisition due diligence, Phase I/II ESAs, risk reviews, and insurance and claims. She is also a Registered Environmental Manager (REM) with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals.

BCC Announces Interim Exec. Director

Boston – After three years of leadership, Colleen Fonseca is stepping down as executive director of the Builders of Color Coalition (BCC), effective Sept. 24.

Fonseca joined BCC in August 2021. Some of BCC’s accomplishments during her tenure include hiring additional staff to enhance the organization’s capabilities; implementing BCC’s first four-year strategic plan; expanding BCC’s network, partnerships, and fundraising; and launching the Capital Task Force, the first of three task forces identifying and uplifting innovative solutions for advancing CRE investors and developers of color.

as equity and inclusion manager with the Mayor’s Office of Housing for the City of Boston.

Warren began his career at the age of 15, working on construction sites during the summers. He has held roles as an estimator, project manager and eventu-

“He has consistently advocated for best practices from a practitioner’s perspective and has been essential in advancing the success of truly integrated design-build projects nationwide.”

Fonseca will be leaving BCC to serve

“To ensure a smooth transition and BCC’s continued effectiveness, we are thrilled to announce that Kenneth Turner will be joining the Builders of Color Coalition as interim executive director,” said Taylor Pederson, board president at BCC and marketing director at Colliers. “As former president and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and a driving force behind the ‘Massport Model’ at the Massachusetts Port Authority, Kenn’s experience will be invaluable in building new relationships, refreshing BCC’s strategic plan, and strengthening our resources and capacity.”

Jensen Joins Gray Strategic Partners

Canton, MA – Investment banking firm Gray Strategic Partners, LLC announced that Erik Jensen has joined the firm as a managing director. He will work with both public and private companies at all stages of development, on both the buyside and sell-side of transactions.

Jensen brings more than 30 years of investment banking experience to Gray Strategic Partners. He has advised clients in multiple industries on all aspects of M&A, joint ventures, corporate financing, private equity, and complex transactions. Jensen works with both public and private companies, including buy-side, sell-side and sponsor-focused transactions, and has extensive experience working in advising entrepreneurs. Jensen has deep experience across a variety of industry sectors, including industrial, business services, distribution and food and beverage.

“Erik Jensen brings an expanded dimension of experience and expertise that will directly benefit the clients of Gray Strategic Partners,” said James DeLeo, leading partner at Gray, Gray & Gray, the parent company of Gray Strategic Partners. “His knowledge of multiple industries and access to markets are tremendous assets that will help drive successful deals.”

Prior to joining Gray Strategic Partners, Jensen was managing director of DC Advisory, the U.S. affiliate of a Japanese investment bank, where he focused on providing M&A advice and private capital raising for companies powering the growth economy. He previously held managing director positions with Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Credit Suisse First Boston, Sagent Advisors, and Lane Berry.

Turner

Cook Davis

Jensen

Peznola Polakiewicz

Warren

Dietz & Company Welcomes Four

Springfield, MA – Dietz & Company Architects, Inc. announced the recent addition of four new employees to the firm.

Noel Aguilar has joined Dietz in the role of project manager. He holds both a Master and Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. Aguilar previously worked for architecture firms in Texas and most recently worked in design and construction for retail store development. He also has many years of experience working on the construction side of the industry. Aguilar specializes in design for medical office and industrial buildings and says he also has a particular interest in the hospitality sector.

Shreya Sanghvi has joined the firm in the role of architectural associate. She recently completed her Master of Architecture and Urban Design at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) where she completed her thesis focusing on design strategies to overcome the disconnection of a complex Brazilian neighborhood while also creating a sustainable environment. She also holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Women in Pune, India. Sanghvi has experience working as an architectural designer and intern for firms in India and most recently as a graduate assistant in the Architecture

department at NYIT.

Daniel Naylor has joined Dietz in the role of architectural staff. He holds both a Master and Bachelor of Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology. He has over ten years of experience working for architecture firms in Massachusetts and New York on multifamily, K-12, and higher education projects and specializes in exterior building design and detailing.

Claire Greene has also joined the firm in the role of architectural staff.

She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Economics from Vanderbilt University. Most recently, Greene worked for an architecture firm in Brooklyn, N.Y. with a focus on residential projects.

Abel Joins ABC National Council

Plainville, CT – Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut (CT ABC) announced that chapter membership director, Chris Abel, has been asked to join fellow leading membership directors throughout the country as a representative on the ABC National Membership Director Council.

Abel brings more than six years of membership experience to the council. He has continued to grow the CT ABC membership during his time with the chapter, while maintaining over 92% overall retention. Abel is also highly

involved with developing the chapter’s marketing strategies, along with supporting CT ABC’s Emerging Leaders Group as its chapter staff liaison. In his role with the council, Abel will position himself as a resource, assisting and collaborating with both new and experienced membership professionals throughout ABC’s 67 chapters nationwide. He will also be involved with leading the Membership Professionals Orientation in conjunction with the ABC ONE Conference alongside other members of the council in San Antonio in May 2025.

Sanghvi and Aguilar

Naylor and Greene

PWC CT

Calendar

October 8 at 5:30 PM

Southern New England Higher Education

This event includes networking and a panel. Panelists will be from Brown University, Williams College, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They will discuss the future of sustainability in higher education construction, with a special focus on innovative materials and technologies. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the growing adoption of mass timber as a renewable building material, examining its environmental benefits and how it supports the carbon-neutral goals of universities.

Interested in sharing your organization’s upcoming event? Email publisher@high-profile.com for more details.

AGC MA

October 15 at 2:00 PM

Committee for Diversity and Inclusion Presents: 4th Annual Diversity Summit

As part of Construction Inclusion Week, this year’s event takes place at the LaCava Conference Center at Bentley University. Attendees will hear from a panel of higher education and construction professionals. This year’s keynote speaker will be SBA’s Massachusetts District Director, Bob Nelson.

ABC MA

October 17 at 4:30 PM

Oktoberfest / Joe Kenney Fundraiser / Membership Drive

Join other ABC Massachusetts members at BearMosse Brewing in Everett, Mass. to help raise funds for the YJK Foundation, which supports diabetes research, education, and the Barton Center camps for diabetic children, as well as a wide variety of other charitable causes.

Next Issue

ABC NH/VT

October 24 at 5:00 PM

Excellence in Construction Awards

Every year ABC NH/VT invites their members to showcase their company’s talent and dedication to quality, innovation and safety. This year’s event will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Manchester, N.H. Dinner is included.

Construction Institute

October 24 at 6:00 PM

Oktoberfest

This is CI’s signature fall social, honoring the annual festival held in Munich, Germany, which originated in 1810. This year’s event will be held at SBC Restaurant & Beer Bar in Milford, Conn. Members and non-members are encouraged to attend and celebrate this festive occasion with friends and colleagues.

CT ABC

October 30 at 5:00 PM

Excellence in Construction Awards

Every year CT ABC invites their members to showcase their company’s talent and dedication to quality, innovation and safety. This program was developed to honor the state’s most innovative and highquality Merit Shop construction projects. The award honors all construction team members, including the contractor, owner, architect and engineer. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Dinner and program begin at 6:00 p.m.

ABC MA

November 7 at 6:00 PM

Excellence in Construction Awards

Join ABC MA members as they celebrate the 32nd Excellence in Construction Awards and recognize award-winning contractors and project teams. This year’s event will be held at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood, Mass.

NOVEMBER

Life Sciences

A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for the new, permanent campus for the Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland, Maine. The Institute will be a research hub to develop local talent in STEM education and will help drive regional economic growth. Read the full story in our November issue.

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By working with our contractors, you’ll benefit from: Competitive pricing and reliable service Access

NECA contractors and IBEW Local 103 members are ready to plug you in! Best