Nonotuck Mill, LLC buys historic mill site at 296 Nonotuck St., Northampton for $950,000

Nonotuck Mill, LLC has purchased the historic mill site at 296 Nonotuck St. The partnership is redeveloping the former Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Company site to offer unique office and warehouse space in the first leasing opportunity at the site in more than 100 years. The site's storied history dates back to the mid 1800s and became known as the Florence Manufacturing Company in 1866. The company developed an early plastic compound and evolved into the creation of hair brushes. From there, some of the first tooth brushes were made and put into mass production. The Florence Manufacturing Company changed its name to the Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Company in 1924. Nonotuck Mill, LLC purchased the property on April 3, 2008. The LLC consists of Environmental Compliance Services, Inc. (ECS), Matthew McDonough of McDonough Realty Services, Inc. and Stanley and Joseph Kochapksi of Orchard Electric. Established in 1982, ECS is a 200-person, full-service environmental consulting firm headquartered in Agawam. Several of ECS' owners, principals and employees reside in the Northampton area. Douglas McVey, ECS' chief financial officer and a Williamsburg resident, said, "The employee owners of ECS are excited to participate in this redevelopment project. It is a reflection of our commitment to sustainable development and our belief in the long-term value of investing in Hampshire County." Matthew McDonough is a Chicopee-based commercial real estate broker. McDonough Realty Services, Inc. was established in 1992. Stanley and Joseph Kochapski are co-owners of Orchard Electric in Florence. The electrical contracting company was established in 1987 and serves the commercial, industrial and residential sectors. The redeveloped site can accommodate up to 150,000 s/f of hi-bay storage or assembly space, manufacturing and assembly areas, heavy utilities, loading docks and ample truck access.