New Eco-Friendly Apartments Popping Up in Garden City Center’s Backyard

CRANSTON, RI – The former Cranston-Johnston Catholic Regional School, also known as St. Mark’s, is currently under renovation to be transformed into 20 loft-style apartments.  Located off of Route 2 in Cranston, the updated building is within walking distance of the historic Garden City Center, a premiere shopping destination.

D+P Real Estate & Truth Box Inc. have acquired the building as an adaptive reuse project that will preserve the structure’s history while improving its energy performance.

“The plan is to rehabilitate the abandoned school building by implementing sustainable alternatives, such as bio retention and compact walkable design, rather than using other more common construction practices that may not be as eco-friendly,” said Jordan Durham, Principal of D+P Real Estate.

The building’s existing walls and roof will be completely re-insulated and air-sealed, and the electrical and mechanical systems will be renewed.  The landscaping and site design will create a safe and accessible connection for pedestrians to Garden City Center.

The renewed building will be called 45 Pop Lofts and consist of one and two bedroom units, all with modern conveniences including expansive windows, high ceilings, and generous living spaces for loft style living.

A new three story apartment building, 125 MIDWAY, is also being built adjacent to the existing structure.  This second phase will include 32 luxury style one and two bedroom homes with underground parking built to the highest green building standards.

“The location’s walkability to nearby stores and restaurants will provide residents with everything they could need all at their doorstep,” said Durham.  “Residents will also enjoy all of the comforts of luxury living including a finely appointed lobby, a fitness room, individual porches, and a common outdoor area for grilling and entertaining.”

Attorney Bob Murray from Taft and McSally has been hired to assist with the project and worked with DiPrete Engineering to obtain planning and zoning approvals.  DiPrete Engineering also completed the development’s site engineering which included stormwater management, ADA accessibility, a sustainable parking facility, grading, and utility design.

“Incorporating sustainable design solutions is a high priority for our client,” said Brian Giroux, a Senior Project Engineer at DiPrete Engineering.  “To improve stormwater quality, roof runoff will be treated using bioretention planter boxes that filter stormwater, and pervious pavement will be installed throughout the parking area.”

45 Pop Lofts is scheduled to be completed in Spring of 2015 and 125 MIDWAY is expected to open in late 2015.

Truth Box Inc. and D+P Real Estate have successfully collaborated on a variety of real estate investment and development ventures in the Providence area over the last six years. From cutting-edge new construction to historic renovation the partners have successfully developed a broad range of building types through an integrated design, development, and construction platform. 

ABOUT DIPRETE ENGINEERING: DiPrete Engineering is a leading civil engineering, planning and surveying firm in New England. The firm has offices in Providence, RI, Newport, RI, and Boston, MA. www.diprete-eng.com

Leave a comment