Boston – Callahan Construction Managers announced its work on Squirrelwood Apartments has earned an Excellence in Construction Award (EICA) from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts (ABC MA). Callahan received the Eagle Award, an honor reserved for work that stands above the rest. It recognizes overall excellence in project execution, craftsmanship, safety, innovative elements and challenges, and client satisfaction. This is the third time Callahan has earned an Eagle Award.
Squirrelwood Apartments is a 12-building, 88-unit affordable housing development located in Cambridge, Mass. developed by Just-A-Start Corporation. Working in a densely populated area of Cambridge posed many challenges for this restoration project, including constructing an apartment building to Passive House standards, working with challenging soil conditions, and managing odd geometries at a site near other residential properties.
“This recognition underscores Callahan’s dedication to creating affordable housing solutions that not only meet the needs of residents but also elevate the standards of construction excellence,” said ABC MA president, Greg Beeman.
The $24.8 million project involved renovating 10 buildings, including a historic 5-story masonry former candy factory, a mix of wooden balloon-framed multifamily structures and an 1820s-era single-family farmhouse. Crews added three buildings as infills on the site to provide additional affordable housing. Two complied with Energy Star standards; the other with the U.S. Passive House energy efficiency standard.
The team also managed multiple logistical challenges for the dozen buildings on the project, which included nine renovations, two new buildings, and an addition to one existing building, as well as managing a move for occupants.
The project team for Squirrelwood Apartments also included Davis Square Architects, architect; BLW Engineers, Inc., MEP engineer; Devellis Zrein, Inc., civil engineer; Dan Bonardi Consulting Engineers, structural engineer; and New Ecology, Inc., energy consultant.
