New three-story apartment building creates 229 units of mixed income family housing

BOSTON – December 17, 2020 – Kaplan Construction, a WBE general contractor and construction management firm providing comprehensive building programs across Greater Boston, announced today that it has completed a new 17,000 SF, three-story apartment building and renovations to existing apartments at Holyoke Farms in Holyoke, Mass. The project creates 229 units of mixed income family housing across 32 buildings, including 217 renovated two- and three-bedroom townhouse apartments. The owner is Holyoke Farms Redevelopment LLC, a long-standing partnership between Maloney Properties and the Whiting Farms Tenant Association, and the developer/sponsor is Maloney Development LLC.

“Kaplan sensitively responded to the occupied rehabilitation component of this project, ever mindful of the residents and minimizing disruption whenever possible. Despite a global health pandemic, we were able to meet all our goals with little interference to our schedule.” said Felicia Jacques, vice president at Maloney Properties and managing director of development. “The result is a reinvigorated and renewed development, and new affordable housing units to support the City of Holyoke.”

Starting in June 2019, Kaplan performed the demolition of an existing residential structure containing eight townhouse units, before constructing a new three-story building in its place. It includes 12 fully accessible housing units, community space, laundry room, and a new management office. The new building, clad with masonry veneer and three different metal siding types, is at once durable and aesthetically appealing. The company also performed “back-to-the-studs” renovations to 217 full baths on the campus’ existing residential units. Each bathroom received new flooring, drywall, tub, sink, toilet, lighting, and ventilation.

“We have enjoyed a successful relationship over the years working with Maloney Properties,” said Nathan Peck, president at Kaplan Construction. “Holyoke Farms is our largest project in Western Massachusetts to date and the result is 229 well-conceived units for families of modest means. We are proud to partner with Maloney to develop communities which help to address the housing crisis in Massachusetts.”

The ground-up project included site work, new utility entrances, a ground water retention system, and new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP/FP) systems. Kaplan worked extensively with architect Guzman Prufer and MEP subcontractors to find alternative locations for mechanical systems so the apartments could be enhanced with increased ceiling heights and kitchen pass-throughs. In addition, Kaplan replaced all boilers serving the existing complex with more energy efficient equipment, upgraded the HVAC zoning, and replaced electrical panels in each apartment.

Extensive site work included repaving the parking lots and sidewalks throughout the complex. Kaplan adding three “pocket parks” with landscaping and benches and a “tot lot” with play structure to create community gathering spaces. Additionally, patios and steps were replaced at many apartments to complete the landscape upgrades.

Holyoke Farms is situated near schools, parks, and healthcare providers, with shopping and dining at the nearby Holyoke Mall. Residents also enjoy ease of transportation with proximity to the Mass Pike and I-91, onsite public transportation, and a neighboring Amtrak station.

When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in March, Kaplan installed additional hand-washing stations and restrooms, disinfected the site multiple times per day, and quickly adapted to adhere to the strictest guidelines within the state.

The project team members for this project include:

Owner: Holyoke Farms Redevelopment LLC
Developer/Sponsor: Maloney Development LLC
Construction Manager: Kaplan Construction
Architect: Guzman Prufer, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Summit Engineers, PLLC
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection (MEP/FP) Engineer: Wozny/Barbar & Associates, Inc.
Civil Engineer: White Engineering, Inc.
Landscape Architect: Plant It Green Landscape Architecture
Property Manager: Maloney Properties, Inc.

With over 40 years of multifamily experience in its portfolio, Kaplan has worked on both new construction and renovation projects for various apartment complexes and condominiums throughout Greater Boston. Most recently, Kaplan provided construction management services at the Revolution Hotel for The Mount Vernon Company; JFK Crossing for Aura Properties; 839 Beacon Street for WaypointKLA; Nine Williams Street for Madison Park Development Corporation; Lyman School Apartments for East Boston Community Development Corporation; Tilia in Jamaica Plain for Luzern Associates and Urbanica; and various renovations for Equity Residential.

About Kaplan Construction
Kaplan Construction is a WBE general contractor and construction management company that provides comprehensive building programs including preconstruction planning, construction management, design-build services, and general construction for commercial, healthcare, multi-family, worship, and institutional clients. Serving Greater Boston since 1976, Kaplan is dedicated to building trusted, long-lasting relationships with its staff and clients based on professional teamwork, personal service, and quality craftsmanship. The company’s proactive approach features lean building techniques and integrated project delivery (IPD) that often realize substantial cost savings and earlier completion dates for its clients, while its dedication to safety far surpasses industry standards. Kaplan has earned its reputation for excellent customer service and superb workmanship, and the company’s highly successful projects have garnered a long list of industry awards and repeat clients. For more information, please visit www.kaplanconstructs.com.

Media Contact:
Susan Shelby, FSMPS, CPSM
Rhino Public Relations
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