J. Calnan & Associates, (JCA) one of New England's leading construction management firms specializing in pre-construction services and challenging construction projects, recently received the Inaugural Robert Keuhn, Jr. Award for their work on The Anwelt Heritage Apartments. Working in collaboration with Peter Linn Architects, JCA and its partners are doing their part to help sustain the Commonwealth.
Presented at the Preservation Massachusetts Annual Sustaining Our Commonwealth dinner, the award is reflective of the innovative and unique legacy of Robert Kuehn, Jr. It recognizes extraordinary projects that meld collaborative partnerships with creative cutting-edge ideas for the rehabilitation and active reuse of historic buildings. The Anwelt Heritage Apartments are New England's first eco-friendly affordable senior housing units that boast 26 geo-thermal wells for heating and cooling the building. Geothermal exchange uses the natural constant temperatures of the Earth to cool or heat the apartments. Some of the other sustainable components include low VOC paints to keep the air cleaner inside the units; Energy Star appliances and energy-efficient lighting throughout the units and all units were equipped with faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads to conserve water. Each unit features very high, lofty ceilings with the original wood beams, massive historic plank-frame windows, and exposed brick walls.
"We are extremely proud to be involved with this cutting-edge sustainable project. As industry leaders, we strive to implement sustainable construction methodologies on projects that incorporate energy efficiency, minimal waste and reduce consumption of natural resources whenever possible. In fact, we even had a ceremonial vine-cutting ceremony instead a typical ribbon-cutting to symbolize the completion of the project," said Jay Calnan, president, J. Calnan and Associates.
Prior to the mill building being converted into mixed-income apartments, the facility housed the Anwelt Shoe Company, which was a family business from 1926 until its closing in 1986. The building's transformation into 86 mixed-income apartments, designed specifically for residents age 62 and up, began over a year ago when J. Calnan & Associates was hired as the construction manager to work collaboratively with developer, Mass Innovation; owner's project manager, Trident Project Advantage Group; management company, Cornu Management and architect, Peter T. Linn