HMEA breaks ground for new $2.7m 16,000 s/f facility in Sterling

HMEA, a non-profit organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities across central and southeastern Mass. broke ground recently on a $2.7 million, 16,000 s/f facility located off Northeast Blvd. The new building will house both an employment and training program and a day habilitation program for individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as a bottle and can redemption center that will employ individuals served by the agency and members of the community. The one-story building will be of steel construction and will feature a brick and stucco exterior. Consistent with HMEA's agency-wide "green" initiative, the building will contain many environmentally friendly features, including a high efficiency heating and cooling system, "smart" thermostats, thermal pane windows, and energy efficient CFL light bulbs. "This new building gives HMEA the opportunity to bring programs together under one roof in a modern and sustainable facility," said HMEA president/CEO Mihael Moloney. "We will be able to deliver a full range of supports and services in a wonderful new environment that will help the individuals we serve make important new connections in the community." Grenier Construction of Shrewsbury is the architect and general contractor for the project. Construction is expected to be completed by fall of 2010.