Tocci Building Companies, (Tocci) has completed construction of Chelsea Place, a new 56-unit residential complex located in historical Chelsea, MA. Tocci worked with Khalsa Design Inc. and Cambridge-based Oaktree Development LLC on the 80,000 square foot project to offer luxury apartments within an accessible proximity to downtown Boston. The project brought a new meaning to the term “fast track” by using modular technology to complete the apartment complex within one year of the construction start date.
Using Oaktree Development’s unique, patented GreenStaxx System, Tocci strategically built the apartment complex by using 80 pre-fabricated modulars. The pre-designed and pre-engineered multi-level “stacks” of residential units were then fitted together like Lego blocks and, once stacked together, finishing touches were applied to the project. Prior to Chelsea Place, Tocci successfully completed the modular construction of Park87, an apartment building in Cambridge, MA comprised of 54 factory-built rental units.
Commenting on Tocci’s use of modular design, Chief Enabling Officer John Tocci emphasized the benefits of the construction approach. “This project is truly notable not only for its high quality construction and sustainable features, but for the incredible speed at which this project went from conception to completion with so few complications,” Tocci said. The completed project broke ground in November 2012 and steel began going up in January 2013. In comparison to a traditional project schedule, a modular project schedule enables residences to be ready for occupancy 30% to 50% sooner and reduces the project timeframe by approximately five to six months.
“Because site preparation and module fabrication processes occurred simultaneously, the project has reached completion and is ready for occupancy within less than a year from its start date,” commented Project Manager Victor Guller. Another recognized benefit of modular construction is that the units are constructed in a climate-controlled facility, allowing for improved quality control over conventional job site construction and reduced length of building time. Additionally, the minimization of construction time, material purchases and waste ultimately decreases project costs by about 10% to 20%.
The apartment complex contains one, two, and two-plus bedroom units that range from 700-1,000 square feet. Additionally, each unit features an open concept kitchen equipped with high-end stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and custom cabinets, and walk-in closets in each bedroom. The complex also features ground parking and over 2,100 square feet of community space, including a welcoming lobby, community room, bicycle storage area, fitness center, and an outdoor patio gathering area.
