Project of the Month: Callahan Construction and Market Square Architects complete work on The Epicurean at Tuscan Village

Salem, NH In Salem, a significant mixed-use development has unfolded that combines world-class shopping and dining with high-end residential spaces, all anchored by a true community theme. Oftentimes, when a developer begins a new project, it’s building out a pad or a few sites adjacent to other properties, which can create a mismatch in purpose and execution. Tuscan Village, however, is quite different, with Tuscan Brands owning and developing much of the 4 million s/f site, leading to a true community feel. 

Callahan Construction was entrusted with building The Epicurean at Tuscan Village, which is part of a 70-acre master-plan that has transformed what was once the Rockingham Park Racetrack. Market Square Architects was the architect for this project. Anchored by marquee tenants including Whole Foods Market, LL Bean, and Williams Sonoma, along with a hotel and multiple restaurants, the community has become a significant destination in southern New Hampshire. Understanding that the finished product needed to match the sophisticated atmosphere of the retail and dining environments, the Callahan team went above and beyond to deliver a market-rate community with an unmatched living experience. 

Epicurean is a 300-unit community featuring a 5-over-1 mixed-use building with a total of approximately 475,000 s/f. The on-site Whole Foods Market is housed in the residential structure, along with over 70,000 s/f of retail space and a partially subgrade parking garage. Callahan worked aggressively with the owner to turn the building over in multiple phases while prioritizing the safety of shoppers and pedestrians who access the development every day. With close to 10,000 attendees just at the Village’s 2023 Christmas tree lighting, it’s safe to say it’s a hit with the public. 

The apartment community began accepting residents last fall as the first 99 units were turned over, and Callahan kept its foot on the gas to complete the remaining 200 units. Weekly site coordination meetings with the owner and trade partners, regular contact with the Salem Fire and Building departments, and ongoing dialog with all parties regarding exterior site and facade activities were critical to the project’s success. The end result is a stunning community jam-packed with amenities including an outdoor pool, coworking lounge, an on-site bar, pickleball courts, and of course, direct access to world-class shopping. 

Callahan made prompt turnover a priority of this project, and every phase of the Epicurean building was completed on or ahead of schedule. Working with the best trade groups in the region enabled Callahan’s team to lead an expedited turn-over process due to the high quality of the finished work. When Callahan works with a development partner, it puts trust and transparency at the forefront of every interaction. With both parties working tirelessly to meet aggressive occupancy goals, protect pedestrian safety, and create the vision that Tuscan Brands has held for the former racetrack, creating an feature-rich destination like Epicurean is not just possible; it’s practically a guarantee. 

“Working with this owner to build a residential space that will be sought after for years to come is one of the most gratifying aspects of being a construction manager,” said Steve Callahan, Jr., vice president, business development, Callahan Construction. “We’re proud of our team and trade partners for supporting the owner’s vision, and that Epicurean has become a centerpiece of Tuscan Village.” 

The project team included:

• Market Square Architects - Architect
• Callahan Construction - Construction Manager
• Tighe & Bond - Site Design, Permitting, Environmental, and Construction-Phase Services
• Master Millwork - Custom and Premium Millwork + Residential Kitchen/Bath Casework
• Gemini Electric, Inc. - Electric
• Power Up Generator Service Co. - Generator
• Fairway Aluminum Solutions - Supplier and Installer of Aluminum Exterior Products