J. Calnan & Associates Retained as Construction Manager for Largest 'Green' Development in the Nation

3/19/2007, Quincy, MA -- J. Calnan & Associates has been retained as construction manager for the largest green mixed-use/residential development in New England: the conversion of the 1.3 million square foot former Wood Mill in Lawrence, MA into Monarch-on-the-Merrimack. Calnan will execute residential and commercial designs by noted architects Finegold Alexander + Associates, and the landscape architecture of Copley Wolff, who designed Boston's Rose Kennedy Greenway. The Wood Mill is one of Lawrence's landmark buildings. When it was built in 1905, it was the largest building of its kind, and became known as "the eighth wonder of the world." The building has almost 30 acres under one roof, and is 1/3 of a mile long. If it were on its side, it would be nearly twice as tall as Boston's John Hancock Tower. MassInnovation, a sustainable development company, will transform the massive historic mill into a city-within-a-city that combines 600 eco-luxury residential lofts with 6 floors of shopping that feature an independent movie theater, bakery, cafe, and jazz club. The complex is alongside the Merrimack River, and features a 6-acre waterfront park and rooftop gardens. In keeping with sound environmental principles, it will be powered by geothermal energy instead of fossil fuel.

Although not frequently used, geothermal energy is the most efficient, cheapest, and cleanest heating and cooling technology, the US Environmental Protection Agency said back in 1993. The condo buyers can expect to pay as little as $50 a month for a 1,200-square-foot unit. That’s an estimated 9 percent savings over a typical air-conditioning bill and 32 percent savings over the average winter heating bill. "Calnan is a perfect match for Monarch on the Merrimack," said Robert Ansin, CEO of MassInnovation. "Their experience aligns closely with our commitment to adaptive reuse, preservation of historic architecture and sustainable development principles." MassInnovation's previous project in Fitchburg is the largest solar installation in New England.
J. Calnan & Associates specializes in pre-construction services and challenging construction projects. The firm's clients include Viega, Color Kinetics, NESN, Reebok, The MathWorks, Liberty Mutual, Thayer Academy, TJX Companies, and Notre Dame Academy, and The Park School.
"We share Robert Ansin's vision for Monarch," said Jay Calnan, "and we feel privileged to be playing a role that represents a watershed in the evolution of Lawrence."
"This project has the potential to be a catalyst for Lawrence, and we hope that it will serve as a model of sustainable development," said Ansin.

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For more information, contact:

Maureen Rystrom Director of Marketing J. Calnan & Associates, Inc. 617-801-0258 MRystrom@JCalnan.com