NEI General Contracting recognized by Historic Salem for Hawthorne Lofts and Residences at St. James restoration

Salem, MA NEI General Contracting has been recognized by Historic Salem, Inc. in the organization’s annual Preservation Awards for its restoration of the historic St. Mary’s and St. James school buildings, now known as Hawthorne Lofts and The Residences at St. James. Honorees were celebrated at the organization’s gala event.

Each year, Historic Salem asks the community to help identify the best examples of outstanding historic preservation projects and leadership throughout the city. Nominations are evaluated by a committee that includes a cross section of the city’s citizens and members of the Salem Historical Commission. The project involved taking two formerly abandoned school buildings and converting them into residential and community gathering spaces. The project’s owner is the North Shore CDC and the architect is ICON Architecture, Inc.

NEI’s team oversaw a difficult renovation project as both buildings had been vacant for many years. Deteriorated structural components, water infiltration, and inadequate utilities were just some of the challenges the team faced. In addition, due to the historic nature of the structures, NEI’s team worked hard to preserve as many original details as possible, from windows to chalkboards to hardwood floors and ornamental trim. Recreating details that couldn’t be saved was also a priority, along with integrating elevator service without distorting the historic character of the buildings.

“This project required a team that could balance multiple goals: first, to save two historic school buildings that were long-standing Salem landmarks, and second, to create much-needed affordable housing and community spaces,” said Jennifer Kolodziej, senior project manager, North Shore CDC. “With this recognition from Historic Salem, Inc., we are able to celebrate how adaptive reuse – when done correctly – can preserve history and provide safe, attainable housing for residents.”

In addition to its achievements in historic preservation, both buildings also added significant inventory to the local affordable housing pipeline. Hawthorne Lofts features seven studios, 18 one-bedroom units, and four two-bedroom units with community art space and an artist’s preference for residents. Ten of the units are restricted to households earning up to 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and supported by the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, 14 units are restricted to households earning up to 60% of AMI, and five units are restricted to households earning up to 80% of AMI.

“Being able to save both historic structures from further deterioration and finding a way to provide much-needed affordable housing was about as perfect of a win-win that we could ask for,” said Josef Rettman, president, NEI. “The North Shore CDC had a vision for these structures that we were happy to help execute, and this honor from Historic Salem, Inc. confirms how impactful the restoration of these school buildings will continue to be in years to come.”