NEWTON, Mass. — Construction is underway on two major residential projects at Pattern District, the 23-acre mixed-use redevelopment transforming Newton Upper Falls into a sustainable, walkable neighborhood centered on housing, retail, and community spaces.
Erland Construction, working in partnership with architecture and design firm CUBE 3, has begun work on the historic restoration of the Saco Pettee Mill and the construction of a new mixed-use residential building. Together, the two projects will add 220 apartment homes to the growing development.
The projects are part of Northland’s broader vision for Pattern District, which will ultimately include 822 rental apartments, including 145 affordable homes, along with retail space, public green areas, and community amenities. The development is expected to become one of the largest privately funded Passive House residential communities in the United States, emphasizing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Restoring a Historic Landmark
One of the centerpiece projects is the adaptive reuse of the historic 173,000-square-foot Saco Pettee Mill, an iconic former textile mill that played an important role in Newton’s industrial history.
The building will be transformed into 100 luxury apartments while preserving its distinctive brick-and-beam architecture. Restoration work will follow National Park Service standards and includes masonry restoration, replacement of historic windows, structural reinforcement, roof replacement, and installation of modern mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
Residents will have access to amenities including a fitness center, wellness suite, resident lounge, and game room, blending modern living with the character of one of Newton’s most significant historic buildings.
“The Saco Pettee Mill is a remarkable building with a rich history, and preserving its character while adapting it for modern residential use requires thoughtful planning and execution,” said Derek Wheeler, Senior Project Manager at Erland Construction. “We are honored to play a role in restoring this landmark and creating a unique living environment that celebrates its legacy while preparing it for generations to come.”
Sustainable New Construction
Alongside the mill restoration, Erland is constructing Building 4, a new 240,000-square-foot mixed-use development featuring 120 apartments above future ground-floor retail space overlooking the community’s Village Green.
The building has been designed to achieve both Passive House and LEED certification, incorporating high-performance building systems, energy-efficient mechanical equipment, advanced insulation, stormwater management, and other sustainable design features aimed at reducing environmental impact and long-term operating costs.
“Building 4 presents an exciting opportunity to deliver a highly sustainable residential community that reflects the future of multifamily development,” said Scott Reed, Senior Project Manager at Erland Construction. “This project demonstrates what is possible when sustainability, quality, and community are prioritized from the start.”
Creating a Walkable Village
Northland’s Pattern District is designed to transform the former industrial property into a mixed-use neighborhood where residents can live, work, shop, and gather within walking distance.
The project includes new housing, retail destinations, open space, and community amenities while preserving key elements of the site’s industrial heritage.
“Pattern District redefines what a thoughtful, responsible development looks like in the 21st century,” said Lawrence R. Gottesdiener, Founder and Chairman of Northland. “We’re not just building housing—we’re creating a village that honors history, fosters connection, and sets a new standard for sustainable living, underpinned by walkability and green space.”
Northland Vice President of Development Santo Dettore said the two projects capture the development’s dual focus on preservation and innovation.
“From the careful restoration of one of Newton’s most historic structures to the construction of a new Passive House and LEED-certified residential community, these projects will help create an exceptional living experience for future residents and a lasting asset for the community,” Dettore said.
The Saco Pettee Mill restoration and Building 4 mark Erland Construction’s second and third projects with Northland, expanding a partnership focused on delivering sustainable, community-oriented developments across Massachusetts.
“Pattern District represents the type of project that excites our team—a development that combines historic preservation, sustainable design and construction, and long-term community impact,” said Ben McConchie, Corporate and Commercial Group Manager at Erland Construction. “We are proud to partner with Northland and CUBE 3 to help bring this vision to life and contribute to the continued transformation of Newton Upper Falls.”
Once completed, Pattern District is expected to become a model for environmentally responsible, mixed-use development—bringing new housing, preserved historic architecture, neighborhood retail, and vibrant public spaces to one of Newton’s most significant redevelopment projects.
