- Appleton Mills, Lowell, Massachusetts
- Phase One of the Hamilton Canal District commences with the $64 million historic restoration of the Appleton Mills complex into130 units of affordable artist housing. For years, the deteriorated, vacant structure loomed ominously over the gateway to the City, and set a negative tone for visitors to the Downtown and other Lowell venues, including the Lowell National Historic Park. Accordingly, its restoration was a high priority for the City, the local office of the National Park Service, and the Patrick Administration, which designated the Hamilton Canal redevelopment area as a priority Growth District Initiative (GDI).
- While the building was significantly deteriorated, the masonry walls are sound and much of the structure is salvageable. In areas where masonry had previously been demolished, new infill walls will be designed with clearly contemporary cladding in contrast to historic materials. The building will also include a five-story, 30-foot wide atrium, to draw sunlight into common areas and create a dynamic architectural feature. Two existing pedestrian bridges over the Hamilton Canal will be restored, one of which will serve as a primary pedestrian entrance to the Hamilton Canal District. The building’s green components include a green roof, highly efficient mechanical system components and energy star appliances.
- The building will be designed and marketed to appeal to artists and other creative professionals, consistent with the City’s efforts to attract and retain such individuals as part of its downtown development strategy. A preference for artists will be established, but will be subject to Fair Housing guidelines, and units will be available to all households meeting income limitations and credit requirements. The loft style units will range in size from 500 to 1,400 square feet, and will include a mix of unit types and layouts, including studios, one bedroom flats, one bedroom townhouses, two bedroom flats and two bedroom townhouses. A number of units with ground floor access will include artist sell space. While the units will feature high ceilings and considerable light, the unit finishes will be simple and durable.
- The atrium will be designed as a gallery/exhibit space and will be conducive to community events such as open studios, film screenings and readings. Common areas in the building include a fitness area, laundry/community lounge, roof deck and a landscaped mill yard. Storage will be available in the basement of the building. The elevators, doorways and loading docks will all be specified to accommodate larger items. The City has allocated parking for the future Appleton Mills residents in the City’s new Early Garage, which is across Jackson Street.
- Construction commenced in October 2009 and the building is anticipated to be complete in April 2011.
- Type: Residential, Transit-Oriented Total development cost: $64 million Units: 130 residential Completion Date: 2011
Trinity Financial
