BOSTON, MA – On Tuesday, July 6th Cruz Companies celebrated the progress on one of its newest developments, the Michael E. Haynes Arms Building, with a topping out ceremony. Members of the construction crew gathered at the Roxbury site to commemorate the completion of the building’s steel structure. Guests signed the beam before lifting it atop the structure.  

 

The tradition is meant to honor the safe completion of the steel structure. It is said that an Evergreen is raised to the top along with the beam as a symbol of good luck on the remaining construction. It is standard to also position an American flag on the beam. In this case, a Cape Verdean flag was also present; a nod to the roots of Cruz Companies. 

 

“We have been doing business in the Roxbury neighborhood since 1948. Many of our employees are residents and we believe in strengthening the community in which we work and live,” said John B. Cruz III, President of Cruz Companies. “We are committed to the revitalization of the Warren Street corridor and are grateful to our partnerships that have enabled this development to come to fruition.” 

 

The Michael E. Haynes Arms building, named for the revered Roxbury community leader, minister, and former State House representative who lived adjacent to the site, will be a fully affordable 55 unit mixed-use, mixed-income development with approximately 60,000 square feet of housing and commercial space with underground parking. Situated at a strategic location between Dudley Square and Grove Hall, the building will bring economic vitality and much-needed affordable housing to the neighborhood. Commercial space on the first floor will be the future headquarters of the Cruz Companies, which has had ties to the Roxbury community since its founding in 1948.   

 

About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments for over 70 years. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through providing employment and career opportunities to area residents, hiring local minority contractors and businesses, and increasing affordable and market rate housing. For more information, please go to our website www.cruzcompanies.com.   

 

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Media Contact:

Jasmine Lopez

Associate Director of Project Management

asg (Archipelago Strategies Group, Inc.)

6 Liberty Square, #2539

Boston, MA 02109

P: 617- 419- 6989

M: 401-464-1156