Completed Project Slideshow

LIvable Slideshow

Through craft design and cost consciousness, this project produced a refinement of our style into a low-cost minimalism. An earlier posting shows the design's floor plans and elevations now completed.

"It's a Beehive!"

A couple times while working on the project, I was told the building was a beehive. I think the beehive is represented in the density and the opportunity it creates for constant activity in the ecoNewBedford mixed-use building. Plus the nooks and crannies used to affect the mass of the building also give an impression of a beehive.

The townhouses have been called "livable housing", which is the result of a stylish and flexible design. The low-cost minimalism has a sophisticated effect with sparseness being "all you need." Amenities of energy efficiency, income potential, and outdoor patios nestled in the trees gives the units the livable qualities that quickly took them off the market! (see slideshow) These units are not your "grandmother's apartment" or your "college rental."

We are now looking forward to completing and occupying the remaining commercial space so the building really hums.

The plaster relief model shown above titled "Selfless Labor" was created by Arcangelo Cascieri, dean of the Boston Architectural College 1943-1947.

Cost of Construction in the New Economy

Properties are investments that are improved by being maintained and fully utilized. Understanding costs are critical to any construction project. Due to the new economy virtually any excess was eliminated, and in the end was not missed. This project revealed that choosing energy efficiency did not really effect project costs, and sensitive design provided for a low-cost high-style impact. 

For an informative and concise report 
click here.

Buy Local Impact

Analysis of the project's financials includes totaling payments made to all suppliers, contractors, and employees from New Bedford.  More than 20% of the project budget added to the local economy, and this does not include local small business outside the City of New Bedford. Three jobs are estimated to have been created in New Bedford by this development project's buy local campaign.

Here's the list of New Bedford businesses we worked with:

Reliable Truss, New Bedford, MA www.reliabletruss.com
Beacon Sales, New Bedford www.beaconsales.com
National Lumber, New Bedford www.national-lumber.com
Franklin Bros, New Bedford, MA (508) 998-8270

Olivier and Sons, Inc. New Bedford, MA www.olivierandsons.com

Star Glass, New Bedford, MA (508) 995-0166
Tony's Appliance, New Bedford, MA www.shoptonysappliance.com

KD Heating & Cooling (508)990-9525
DeMello's Furniture, New Bedford, MA www.demellos.com
Fastenal, New Bedford, MA www.fastenal.com
C&M Flooring, New Bedford, MA www.candmfloorcovering.com
S&L Rolloff, New Bedford, MA (508) 996-9939
Santos Masonry, New Bedford, MA (508) 997-3722
ABC Disposal, New Bedford, MA www.abcdisposal.com
F W Webb, New Bedford, MA www.fwwebb.com
Rivet Street Hardware, New Bedford, MA (508) 994-3211
Rogers Paint, New Bedford, MA www.rogerspaintandwallcovering.com

First Citizens FCU, New Bedford, MA www.firstcitizens.org 

Neto Insurance, New Bedford, MA, www.netoinsurance.com

South End Business Association www.nbseba.com

Sustenance

Reducing, reusing, and recycling can all seem like tasks not worth the sometimes painstaking effort, except they contribute to an ongoing sense of accomplishment.  The savings may seem "small" but together add up. This is sustenance, and the efforts towards sustainability do lift us up.

On this project cost savings in disposal and material costs came from practicing the Three Rs, and they also had the benefit of helping the project stay organized. 

We are presently tuning systems and collecting data on utility bills. With the EnergyStar rating these townhouses consume roughly half the energy of a typical home. So far utility bills have been noticeably reduced. A more detailed reporting will follow when more history is available.

Across the Street at Hazelwood Park

This Sunday 8/29 from 1-5pm the South End Business Association is hosting it's first Car Cruise. Throughout the year this beachfront park hosts numerous activities and events just right outside the front door.