FEATURE
adaptive reuse sonry, stabilized in 2009, had to be redone when the project finally went ahead in 2014,” Lane continued. In addition, there were some siting issues. The site is bordered by Green River conservation land. The project was subject to riverbank stabilization work before the permeable public Riverwalk was constructed. The Riverwalk also required designated extra parking for walkers. OTHER DESIGN CHALLENGES
A significant design challenge faced by Finegold Alexander Architects was evaluating which buildings to keep, noted Alexander. “As with any large complex spanning over 100 years, many alterations and poor-quality additions were made to the original mill brick buildings,” he added. The design team identified the most historic and usable eight structures, all built between 1895 and 1924. The re-use of these buildings required demolition of more than 80,000 sq. ft. of useless, dilapidated in-filled sheds and warehouse, many from the 1940s and 1950s. This allowed the remaining 90,000 sq. ft. to be economically reused and also available for federal and state historic tax credits. An additional benefit of the demolition was the creation of new entry courtyards and exterior recreation spaces. WINDOWS
Windows were a particular challenge at Cable Mills, noted Lane. “Because the Above. The units feature high, wood-beamed ceilings; large, steel replica operable windows; and energy-efficient mechanical systems.
complex was built and added to at different times in its history, there was a hodge-podge of window openings ranging from some less than 4 ft. tall to others standing at more than 9 ft. There were more than 20 types of windows at the site ranging from traditional steel industrial windows, double hungs, awning
Below. The complex features a variety of sustainable features, including water-saving fixtures, energy-efficient mechanical systems, low-VOC finishes, efficient lighting, native vegetation, and a walkable neighborhood.
windows, to captured hopper windows, where the middle of the window pivots. Since historic tax credits were involved, National Park Service approval was required for the replacement windows.” According to Bill Wilder, director of technical sales for the window supplier, Graham Architectural Products, York, PA, arriving at the right solution wasn’t easy. “You’re trying to replicate with insulated glass an appearance that basically meets the minimal amount of material required to hold a single piece of glass. So that becomes a challenge–trying to meet the historic criteria while meeting the structural requirements and the enhanced thermal performance as well.” Cable Mill Lofts was named as the award winner for Biggest Impact Rural/ Suburban by Preservation Massachusetts, Plymouth, MA, a non-profit preservation organization dedicated to preserve the state’s historic heritage. The award was presented in May 2017 at the organization’s annual Power of Preservation Awards event. Bringing the Cable Mills project to completion was made possible by a high degree of patience, planning, and cooperation. It stands as a testament to the vision of those who conceived it and saw it through. CA
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COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE
JULY 2017
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com
Finegold Alexander Architects
Cable Mills
Complete project team and funding list.
Preservation Massachusetts
