WORCESTER, MA—Maugel DeStefano Architects, a New England-based award-winning architectural firm recently named 2023 Architectural Firm of the Year by the Boston Real Estate Times, has completed its initial designs for the Franklin Lofts, an amenity-rich multifamily community being developed by the Michaels Organization, in partnership with GoVenture Capital Group.
Located at 274 Franklin Street in downtown Worcester, the community is just a few
blocks from Union Station. Current plans call for 364 apartments, including market-rate
and affordable dwelling units.
Franklin Lofts is already entitled and has all approvals from the City, according to lead
developer Jay Russo, Regional Vice President of Development at The Michaels
Organization. Construction is expected to begin once the final financing details are in
place.
“We are excited to bring this much-needed housing to this great neighborhood, and
we are thrilled with the designs presented to us by Maugel DeStefano Architects,”
Russo said.
What sets the residences apart is the exceptional amenities package. Residents will be
able to enjoy a cafe, fitness center, yoga room, top floor community room, roof deck,
game room/theatre, pet spa, diverse work from home spaces, and a large package
room equipped with commercial refrigerators. The expansive outdoor courtyard,
spanning nearly three-fourths of an acre, offers a variety of inviting spaces that cater to
individuals of all ages, including scenic walking paths, grilling stations, large
lawn/multiuse space, a pavilion, game areas, a dog park, and private patios for ground
floor units.
“Maugel DeStefano Architects was privileged to be an integral part of the Franklin Lofts
project since its inception, collaborating closely with the joint venture team,” said
Architect Jeremy Baldwin, Multifamily Studio Lead at Maugel DeStefano Architects.
“We are pleased that our role as our client’s advocate throughout the permitting
process successfully secured all necessary approvals. As the project progresses, we look
forward to providing comprehensive construction phase services, ensuring the
seamless execution of GoVenture’s and Michaels’ vision.”
Once the project breaks ground, construction is expected to take about 22 months.
“Working with Maugel DeStefano Architects has been a great partnership. We share
the same passion and enthusiasm for revitalizing areas in our community, and we look
forward to continuing our relationship on another landmark project in Worcester,” said
Harold Reader, Vice President of GoVenture Capital Group, LLC. “
Maugel DeStefano had previously designed GoVenture Capital Group’s 111-unit
multifamily development, The Kiln, located at 222 Brooks Street in the Greendale
neighborhood of Worcester.
