News: Construction Design & Engineering

Kaplan Construction completes work at 229-unit Holyoke Farms

Holyoke, MA Kaplan Construction has completed a new 17,000 s/f, three-story apartment building and renovations to existing apartments at Holyoke Farms. The project creates 229 units of mixed income family housing across 32 buildings, including 217 renovated two and three-bedroom townhouse apartments. The owner is Holyoke Farms Redevelopment LLC, a long-standing partnership between Maloney Properties and the Whiting Farms Tenant Association, and the developer/sponsor is Maloney Development LLC.

“Kaplan sensitively responded to the occupied rehabilitation component of this project, ever mindful of the residents and minimizing disruption whenever possible. Despite a global health pandemic, we were able to meet all our goals with little interference to our schedule.” said Felicia Jacques, vice president at Maloney Properties and managing director of development. “The result is a reinvigorated and renewed development, and new affordable housing units to support the city of Holyoke.”

Starting in June 2019, Kaplan performed the demolition of an existing residential structure containing eight townhouse units, before constructing a new three-story building in its place. It includes 12 fully accessible housing units, community space, laundry room, and a new management office. The new building, clad with masonry veneer and three different metal siding types, is at once durable and aesthetically appealing. The company also performed “back-to-the-studs” renovations to 217 full baths on the campus’ existing residential units. Each bathroom received new flooring, drywall, tub, sink, toilet, lighting, and ventilation.

“We have enjoyed a successful relationship over the years working with Maloney Properties,” said Nathan Peck, president at Kaplan Construction. “Holyoke Farms is our largest project in Western Massachusetts to date and the result is 229 well-conceived units for families of modest means. We are proud to partner with Maloney to develop communities which help to address the housing crisis in Massachusetts.”

The ground-up project included site work, new utility entrances, a ground water retention system, and new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP/FP) systems. Kaplan worked extensively with architect Guzman Prufer and MEP subcontractors to find alternative locations for mechanical systems so the apartments could be enhanced with increased ceiling heights and kitchen pass-throughs. 

In addition, Kaplan replaced all boilers serving the existing complex with more energy efficient equipment, upgraded the HVAC zoning, and replaced electrical panels in each apartment.

Extensive site work included repaving the parking lots and sidewalks throughout the complex. Kaplan adding three “pocket parks” with landscaping and benches and a “tot lot” with play structure to create community gathering spaces. Additionally, patios and steps were replaced at many apartments to complete the landscape upgrades.

Holyoke Farms is situated near schools, parks, and healthcare providers, with shopping and dining at the nearby Holyoke Mall. Residents also enjoy ease of transportation with proximity to the Mass Pike and I-91, onsite public transportation, and a neighboring Amtrak station.

When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in March, Kaplan installed additional hand-washing stations and restrooms, disinfected the site multiple times per day, and quickly adapted to adhere to the strictest guidelines within the state.

The project team members for this project include:

Owner: Holyoke Farms Redevelopment LLC

Developer/Sponsor: Maloney Development LLC

Construction Manager: Kaplan Construction

Architect: Guzman Prufer, Inc.

Structural Engineer: Summit Engineers, PLLC

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection (MEP/FP) Engineer: Wozny/Barbar & Associates, Inc.

Civil Engineer: White Engineering, Inc.

Landscape Architect: Plant It Green Landscape Architecture

Property Manager: Maloney Properties, Inc.

MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering

Weston & Sampson earns award from ACEC for Arlington DPW job

Arlington, MA Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 58th annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA).
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

When it comes to corporate interior spaces for both commercial and industrial projects, partnering with a design-build firm with in-house interior design services can offer clients many benefits. Unlike traditional delivery methods where interior designers operate independently from the design and construction teams, often creating a longer project timeline as cost negotiations and revisions ensue
Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

October is Careers in Construction Month, and rarely has it been more consequential. According to our chapter’s national parent organization, the construction industry needs to attract half-a-million new workers in the coming year to meet demand. Addressing that need is a huge job, but we at ABC MA are trying to do our part.
The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

In recent years, the life science industry has witnessed a shift in how companies operate and innovate. One of the key driving forces behind this transformation is the emergence of incubators and co-working spaces specifically tailored to meet the unique budget and schedule needs of startups.
Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

The answer is “Yes!” While January marks the official new year, many businesses view September as a fresh start. This makes summer an ideal time for commercial property owners to schedule long-term electrical maintenance projects.