Kaplan Construction appoints new management team; Nathan Peck promoted to president and Jane Kaplan Peck named chief operating officer

September 18, 2014 - Construction Design & Engineering

Shown are Nathan Peck and Jane Kaplan Peck of Kaplan Construction

Washington Mills Building No. 1 - Lawrence, MA

Temple Ahavat Achim - Gloucester, MA

Kaplan Construction completed a three-year management transition. Nathan Peck has been promoted to president and Jane Kaplan Peck, majority owner, has been appointed chief operating officer (COO). Company founders Ken and Cathy Kaplan have taken on new roles as chairman of the board and senior advisor, respectively.
Founded in 1976, Kaplan Const.'s experienced staff has worked together for many years, building a strong resume of renovation and new construction projects along the way. The company's history of professional teamwork and collaboration, combined with detailed planning and thoughtful execution, provides clients with optimal results: well-built, cost-effective, and timely projects.

Award-Winning Historic Preservation Work
The 125-year-old Washington Mills Building No. 1 entails a rich legacy. Originally built in 1886, the renovation and adaptive reuse of the 240,000 s/f Washington Mills Building No. 1 included transforming a deteriorating and vacant former mill building into 155 loft-style live/work units. The Washington Mills building is located on the site of the former Bay State Mills, the earliest textile mill in Lawrence. The former industrial mill became famous as the first U.S. mill to introduce all woolen worsteds and would later become part of the American Woolen Co. It is a key building in the North Canal National Historic District.
Providing construction and pre-construction services, Kaplan Const. completed the smart growth renovation project as part of a 17-month, $43 million redevelopment project that marks the single largest private investment in downtown Lawrence in decades. The units range in size from 625 to 1,700 s/f and employ design features that showcase the building's industrial character including 9-foot arched windows, exposed brick walls, and original wood beams and ceilings.
The $25 million project was honored with the 2008 National Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Paul E. Tsongas Award from Preservation Massachusetts in 2012.
Working with Congregations to Create Spiritual Homes
In the wake of a tragic fire that destroyed the 180-year old Temple Ahavat Achim, Kaplan Const. worked closely with its 200-family congregation and building committee to rebuild a new energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly house of worship in downtown Gloucester. The $3.3 million project created a modern and light-filled structure that honors the original building and its history within the local Jewish community.
Inspired by the congregation's spirit and determination to overcome the loss of their spiritual home, Kaplan helped recover meaningful elements from the site to be reused in the new building. These included the restoration of the original mahogany doors, and granite foundation stones that were transformed into pavers and bench seats in a garden space.
The 10,000 s/f building's contemporary design features materials such as bamboo and quartzite stone, which contrast comfortably with the surrounding historic New England context.
Unfinished red cedar slat above the main stairs references the hull of a ship, a nod to Gloucester as America's first seaport.
This project was honored with the Excellence in Construction Award by Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. of Massachusetts (ABC Mass.) in 2011.
"We attribute our success to a passion for building and the trusted relationships we foster with our clients. Our mission - above all else - is to construct quality work for our clients," said Ken Kaplan. "I step away from the president's role with the full confidence that Nate and Jane will continue to follow our guiding principles of client service, technical excellence, collaboration and mutual respect. I know the company will thrive with them at the helm, and Cathy and I look forward to providing support and leadership as they continue to grow the company."
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