Williamstown, MA Mitchell Properties celebrated the grand opening of Cable Mills, the new 61-unit residential loft development located along the Green River on Water St., in a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 25. Town officials, project team members, residents and community members were invited to participate.
After more than a year of construction on the site, the historic buildings have undergone a dramatic transformation from its past as a factory making wire and cable dating back to the post Civil War era. “We never had any doubt that if we could build exceptional homes on this site in Williamstown that combined history, modern style, and low maintenance living, that people, locally and from elsewhere, would come from far and wide to live here and it’s so nice to start this new chapter of this beautiful site,” said Bart Mitchell, the managing member of the development group. With the building over 70% leased, new residents have been drawn from the Berkshires to the West Coast and everywhere in between to live at Cable Mills.
Shown (from left) are: representatives from Mitchell Properties, Traggorth Companies, Finegold Alexander Architects, Williamstown officials, residents and community membersThe adaptive reuse design drew on the expertise of Finegold Alexander Architects, known for similar pioneering projects such as the Prince Building in Boston, the National Landmark Market Mills residences in Lowell, Cheney Silk Mills condominiums in Manchester, Conn. among many others. “Designing these units in this historic mill setting allowed us to take advantage of the tall ceilings, expansive windows, exposed brick and beams, open floor plans, and stunning views,” said Jim Alexander, principal at Finegold Alexander Architects, “the result is absolutely breathtaking.” Working with the existing envelope, the design team created a multitude of layouts from townhomes single level flats many with views of the landscaping, river, and mountains beyond.
“This was a true team effort with commitment on all sides from the town, to the financing team, to the tradesman on site,” said Dave Traggorth, principal of the Traggorth Companies and project manager for the development. “It is so rewarding to see the people moving in and enjoying a place that we have worked so hard to create,” he added.
The multi-phased development transformed the historic General Cable Mill complex into a new residential community. Built in 1873, General Cable mill was the third mill built in Williamstown. Between 1873 and 1930, the mill was utilized by several owners for various purposes including the manufacturing of twine, dyeing, and weaving. From 1936 to 1984, the building was used to produce wire and cable.
The original mill complex consisted of 15 existing buildings, eight of those buildings, totaling 96,000 s/f were renovated. Finegold Alexander Architects designed the adaptive use of the historic mill buildings for 61 housing units and social space. The complex contains a mix of lofts and one, two and three bedroom apartments. The units feature exposed brick walls, high, wood-beamed ceilings, large steel replica operable windows and energy efficient mechanical systems. The project also includes landscaping and the creation of a public River Walk along the Green River.
Developers Bart Mitchell and Dave Traggorth received funding from numerous sources including Property and Casualty Initiative, Boston Community Capital and Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Additional funding was supplied by the town of Williamstown through the Community Preservation Act and State and Federal Historic Tax Credits.
