WALTHAM MA—Multi Market Construction Management firm, Delphi Construction has completed a new 50,000sf veterans housing project for their client, Coalition for a Better Acre.
The 44 unit development sits on the site of the former Gerson Furniture Building on Washington Street in Haverhill, MA. The new development features a mix of one, two and three bedroom units along with 3 fully ADA compliant units with low rise countertops, expanded bathrooms and other accommodations for residents in wheelchairs.
Delphi was awarded the project by the non-profit, Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) in partnership with Veterans Northeast Outreach Center (VNOC). The Coalition for a Better Acre is a membership based community development corporation dedicated to resident empowerment and sustainable community revitalization for current and future residents of Lowell and the Merrimack Valley. CBA promotes healthy, vibrant neighborhoods by developing resident leaders, affordable housing and economic opportunities, and by responding to community needs through collective action. VNOC provides a full continuum of care to Veterans and their families in Essex, Middlesex and Barnstable Counties in Massachusetts and Rockingham County in New Hampshire. The partnership with VNOC is a continuation of the Welcome Home Apartment project that is located at VNOC’s headquarters less than a half mile up the road from the Gerson building. This project has a 70% unit preference for local veterans being serviced by VNOC.
The Gerson development aims to provide affordable housing opportunities for military veterans and their families.
As part of the project, Designed by Davis Square Architects of Somerville, Delphi demolished 3 shuttered buildings on the site in order to make way for the new construction. The new facility includes the residential apartments, a community room and a two story detached parking structure in the rear. The ground level also features 2,500sf of retail space CBA plans to lease out to commercial tenants.
Delphi Project Executive, Vincent Bernard congratulated CBA, project partners and new residents of the building at the conclusion of the project.
“The spirit of teamwork on this project was strong throughout. From the outstanding collaboration among Delphi site leaders, the ownership team, the design team at Davis Square Architects and the owner’s Project Manager, Matt Yarmonlinsky, to the commitment of all of the subcontractors on the project who went above and beyond to deliver the project safely in the face of the COVOD outbreak. We would also like to thank the City of Haverhill and the Haverhill Fire Department for their professionalism and support. This was truly a team effort. Delphi is delighted to have played a role in helping CBA bring much needed affordable housing to our veterans.” Bernard said.
The project had a duration of just under 2 years from start of demolition to occupancy.
