Two Erland projects honored with ABC Excellence in Const. awards; Florence Center for Living and Springfield College project

On November 18th, two of Erland Construction's projects were honored with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Massachusetts' Excellence in Construction Awards at the organization's annual awards ceremony. The new Leonard Florence Center for Living won the Eagle Award in the Healthcare over $10 million category and the new Richard B. Flynn Campus Union at Springfield College was honored with both a Merit Award and Spirit Award in the Commercial/Institutional/Industrial over $5 million category. The Spirit Award recognizes projects that have the highest percentage of ABC member involvement. The new 91,000 s/f, 100-unit Leonard Florence Center for Living, located in Chelsea, is the first skilled nursing facility built in Mass. in 13 years; the first urban Green House built in the United States; and the first facility of its kind for ALS and MS patients. The 6-story building features 10 "houses," each with 10 bedrooms clustered around an open kitchen and living area. The Leonard Florence Center for Living features technologically sophisticated systems - like computerized sensors that open and close doors, turn lights on or off, and allow individuals to surf the web - that have enhanced the quality of life and independence of the residents. As a result, ALS or MS residents have as much independence and mobility as possible. Erland teamed with development/financial consultants, Affirmative Investments; owner's representative, CS2/NE; and architect, DiMella Shaffer Associates on this exciting and challenging endeavor. The new 58,500 s/f Richard B. Flynn Campus Union - named after Springfield College's current president - is the second of three projects Erland has managed for Springfield College in the last three years. A central location for student services and activities, international programs, career services, volunteer programs, residence life offices, and the staff of the student affairs division, the Campus Union features a food court with a two-story atrium for casual dining, a sports bistro with large flat-screen televisions, and a spiritual life center with a meditation room. Stephen Jablonski Architects was the architect on this project.