Winn honored for Baker Sq. II and Whaler's Place projects

Preservation Massachusetts has recognized Winn Development Companies with two Paul Tsongas Awards for its historic preservation efforts at Dorchester's Baker Square II buildings and New Bedford's Whaler's Place. Winn Dev. received the awards last week at the 21st annual awards dinner of Preservation Mass., a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the state's historic and cultural heritage. Winn was recognized for restoring the buildings in a manner that is sensitive to their historic significance, while at the same time providing an economic boost to the communities. On hand to accept the award on behalf of Winn Dev. were managing partner Larry Curtis and senior vice president Jon Rudzinski. They were joined by the architect of both projects, The Architectural Team of Chelsea, along with Keith Construction of Stoughton, the construction manager for Whaler's Place. The Baker Square II buildings are part of the Walter Baker & Co. chocolate factory complex located in the Dorchester/Milton Lower Mills industrial district. Winn is converting the mills, which had suffered from years of neglect, into 60 rental housing units, which will include 8 affordable units. Construction began in the spring of 2007, with completion anticipated this fall. In New Bedford, Winn recently redeveloped the southern portion of the Whitman Mill into 75 one and two-bedroom apartments and townhouses known today as Whaler's Place. Originally built in 1894, the property had housed a garment and textile factory and a wholesale store. In May, Winn Dev. was recognized by the Massachusetts Historical Commission for the for the historic preservation of the Apartments at Boott Mills in Lowell.