Haverhill, MA RISE, a Boston-based minority-owned developer and construction firm, has reached 80% project completion at 86 Essex St.

The residential project, known as the ‘Essex St. Lofts’, is a restoration of a 7-story industrial building in the downtown area. The team recently completed the replacement of 210 windows on the historic façade, and has moved to the next phase of renovating the interior.

Built in 1910, the building has been underutilized for many years. It’s one of the last remaining, undeveloped mill structures in downtown. The 46,953 s/f mixed-use project is consistent with the building stock and reuse of mill structures in the surrounding neighborhood and represents the opportunity to have an infill, mixed-use project that will serve to bring additional stability to the area by improving conditions and property values. The development encompasses 42 residential units, and available ground floor commercial space. True to their mission of creating a positive, lasting impact in the communities they work in, RISE is incorporating an art gallery space into the lobby, where local artists can showcase their artwork at no cost to them. The ground floor level will bring life to the current abandoned space, activating and improving the public realm and streetscape.The building also has garage parking adjacent to the property and on-street parking in front.

The project is scheduled to be completed on October 3, 2023. 

“RISE continues to have great enthusiasm throughout this renovation of this historic building into a residential community for this city. As we approach completion this fall, it is a great moment to reflect on the history and character of Haverhill, and we are excited to begin to welcome local business as potential tenants, and residents as potential occupants to this space,” said Herby Duverné, CEO of RISE.