Lawrence, MA – WinnCompanies recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of Stone Mill Lofts, one of the first all-electric mixed-income multifamily properties in Massachusetts, which completed the transformation of a 19th-century mill into 86 apartments. Universal Window and Door provided custom historic replica windows from its high-performance, triple-pane 1060 Series, satisfying the historic preservation requirements necessary to qualify for Federal and State Historic Tax Credits and fulfilling the project’s energy performance objectives.
Originally constructed between 1845 and 1848 as the Essex Company Machine Shop by the city’s namesake, Abbot Lawrence, Stone Mill Lofts building envelope incorporates substantial insulation, Universal’s high-performance historic replica windows, high-efficiency heat pumps, and energy recovery systems to maximize energy efficiency and air tightness while preserving the structure’s unique historic characteristics. The fossil-fuel-free design is expected to use 46% less energy and emit 33% fewer greenhouse gases than a typical gas-fired multifamily structure.
Designed by The Architectural Team (TAT) and constructed by Keith Construction, both of which have longstanding partnerships with Universal on historic renovation projects, Stone Mill Lofts comprises 50 one-bedroom apartments; 28 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units; and eight three-bedroom, two-bathroom units. Each unit features large window openings and existing historical elements such as exposed original wood beam ceilings. On-site amenities include an expansive resident lounge and kitchen, a fitness center, a children’s playroom, bicycle parking, work-from-home pods, a historic mill exhibit room, and a patio. The complex is located within walking distance of a commuter rail line to Boston. Stone Mill Lofts has a significant affordable component, providing 58 apartments for households earning up to 60% of Area Median Income (AMI), 11 apartments for those earning up to 30% AMI, and 17 market-rate units.
“Once again, WinnCompanies is leading the way in developing innovative, energy-efficient, and affordable housing in New England,” said HUD Regional Administrator Juana Matias at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Their commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships and creatively utilizing federal and state financing resources is a testament to how we can provide residents with affordable, service-rich housing that allows them to thrive.”
“With the increased focus on sustainability, our customers have been seeking a window solution that would deliver maximum energy efficiency while retaining our best-in-class historic replica window design,” said Jim Finn, president and CEO of Universal Window and Door. “And with the 1060 Series, we have answered the call.”
