Maugel DeStefano Architects completes
initial designs for Franklin Lofts

Worcester, MA Maugel DeStefano Architects has completed its initial designs for the Franklin Lofts, an amenity-rich multifamily community being developed by the Michaels Organization, in partnership with GoVenture Capital Group.

Located at 274 Franklin St. in downtown, the community is a few blocks from Union Station. Current plans call for 364 apartments, including market-rate and affordable dwelling units.

Franklin Lofts is already entitled and has all approvals from the city, according to lead developer Jay Russo, regional vice president of development at The Michaels Organization. Construction is expected to begin once the final financing details are in place.

“We are excited to bring this much-needed housing to this great neighborhood, and we are thrilled with the designs presented to us by Maugel DeStefano Architects,” Russo said.

What sets the residences apart is the amenities package. Residents will be able to enjoy a cafe, fitness center, yoga room, top floor community room, roof deck, game room/theatre, pet spa, work from home spaces, and a package room with commercial refrigerators. 

The outdoor courtyard, spanning nearly three-fourths of an acre, offers a variety of spaces that cater to individuals of all ages, including walking paths, grilling stations, large lawn/multi-use space, a pavilion, game areas, a dog park, and private patios for ground floor units.

“Maugel DeStefano Architects was privileged to be an integral part of the Franklin Lofts project since its inception, collaborating closely with the joint venture team,” said architect Jeremy Baldwin, multifamily studio lead at Maugel DeStefano Architects. “We are pleased that our role as our client’s advocate throughout the permitting process successfully secured all necessary approvals. As the project progresses, we look forward to providing comprehensive construction phase services, ensuring the seamless execution of GoVenture’s and Michaels’ vision.”

Once the project breaks ground, construction is expected to take about 22 months.

“Working with Maugel DeStefano Architects has been a great partnership. We share the same passion and enthusiasm for revitalizing areas in our community, and we look forward to continuing our relationship on another landmark project in Worcester,” said Harold Reader, vice president of GoVenture Capital Group, LLC. 

Maugel DeStefano had previously designed GoVenture Capital Group’s 111-unit multifamily development, The Kiln, located at 222 Brooks St. in the Greendale neighborhood of the city.