Adaptive Reuse Revitalizes Chelsea Box District NEI GC Designed by TAT

January 27, 2011

Chelsea, MA – A “comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plan” involving new mixed-income housing, public green spaces and parks, was achieved

Chelsea, MA – A “comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plan” involving new mixed-income housing, public green spaces and parks, was achieved through public-private partnership investments made by Mitchell Properties, Chelsea Neighborhood Developers, the City of Chelsea and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The impetus behind their vision was to revive the city’s blighted Box District that suffered after many businesses closed operations in the 1960s, leaving buildings dormant and neighborhoods unsafe.
Contributing to the revitalization effort, The Architectural Team (TAT) designed the adaptive reuse of two of the abandoned properties that successfully preserves a piece of Chelsea’s unique history and provides affordable housing. Atlas Lofts, the historic adaptive reuse of Russell Box Company built in 1911, offers 53 mixed-income, one-bedroom contemporary lofts and was completed in July 2010; and Standard Box Apartments, currently in the permitting phase, is expected to start construction spring 2011. Standard Box includes the adaptive reuse of a small building into three townhome units, and the new construction of a five-unit townhome and a 44 unit mid-rise building. The City also plans to convert an empty lot adjacent to these sites into a park, in addition to putting in new streets and sidewalks, further improving The Box District’s appeal.
When development partnerships collaborate to revitalize neglected urban areas into safe, livable, walkable neighborhoods, it has a direct impact on strengthening the economic and cultural vitality of the community,” said Robert Verrier, AIA, managing principal, The Architectural Team.
NEI General Contracting served as general contractor for the neighborhood revialization project. NEI has completed over $300 million in quality construction projects over the last ten years spanning a wide variety of construction types and programs, from historic renovations of dilapidated mill buildings to the complete site development of new residential communities.
“Atlas Lofts was a 53 unit, fast track historic mill renovation which was completed in eight months while maintaining the highest level of quality. This accomplishment could never have been achieved without the intense effort & quick decision making of both the owner, Mitchell Properties, and all of the members of The Architectural Team.” said Josef Rettman, Vice President of NEI General Contracting
Atlas Lofts reached substantial completion in the beginning of August 2010 and had its first tenants move in at the same time. The mill was transformed into 53 Lofts with soaring ceilings and oversized windows. 47 of the lofts are market rate units while six are affordable to those earning 50% and 60% of the area median income.
The development of Atlas Lofts cost $16.8 million of which $7.6 were attributable to direct hard construction costs. Much of the site was contaminated with asbestos and lead and required extensive clean up before construction could begin. The construction team skillfully restored the impressive interior wooden frame and ceilings as well as the brick shell. The windows were almost entirely missing or damaged beyond repair when purchased, but the architects carefully selected windows built to fit the large openings and the buildings historical character.
Atlas Lofts also features professional on-site management 6 days per week through HallKeen Management. There is free surface parking attached to the building for all residents as well as additional parking for a fee on the surface and in a garage. Atlas Lofts also has a brand new fitness center for the residents use with touch screen TVs and iPod docking stations. The residents can also gather in the Community Room or the expansive roof deck which offers a great view of Chelsea due to the buildings prominence in the area. Each loft is flush with amenities such as granite countertops, brand new appliances, and a washer and dryer. Additionally, Atlas Lofts offers free WiFi to all its residents.
“Design innovation thrives in environments where all members of the development team are allowed to share knowledge and work together toward common goals–and that’s precisely how Mitchell, TAT and NEI work together,” said Jay Szymanski, Associate, The Architectural Team, Inc. “The value of fostering this collaborative relationship early in the planning stages is integral to the success of any project, and it’s a creative process we welcome.”