Rumford Center Project Awarded Northeastern Economic Developers Association 2012 Project of the Year

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – (September 12, 2012) NEDA’s Project of the Year Award recognizes a major economic development project based on job creation and other direct economic impacts; capital investments; leveraging of development resources; use of public/private and/or intergovernmental partnerships; benefits to the surrounding community and/or environment; innovation; design excellence and transportation considerations. http://nedaonline.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=252

The Rumford Center, located in East Providence (Rumford), RI was originally constructed in 1856 for Rumford Chemical Works Company. In 2005 it was becoming evident that without intervention, part or potentially all of the historic Rumford mill complex was in danger of being lost to condemnation and/or demolition. In 2006 the development team of Peregrine Group and Kirkbrae properties formed a partnership as PK Rumford LLC with a plan to convert the 8.5 acre – nine-building mill complex.

New England Construction served as Construction Manager for the 270,000 sf adaptive reuse of the historic mill and brownfield redevelopment project providing pre-construction services, including planning, budgeting constructability review, value engineering, scheduling and management of local permitting. NEC worked closely with the design team of Prellwitz/Chilinski Associates, Inc. of Cambridge, MA, along with the PK Rumford LLC to collectively understand the design, construction and budget risks of this massive project. Extensive coordination with the local and national preservation authorities and local building officials was critical to balance the importance of historical accuracy and budget sensitivity. The Center now boasts 112 apartment units, 60,000 sf of office space and numerous retail tenants and a restaurant. Currently, more than 120 people work at the Rumford Center. The Rumford Center project is also the recipient of the RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and Preserve Rhode Island with a State Preservation Project Award in 2009.

According to James Moran, Principal/Economic Planner for the City of East Providence, “The Rumford Center Project has had an indelible positive impact on the community and has already become an important focal point for historic preservation and urban/suburban revitalization in East Providence. The City of East Providence is delighted that NEDA has selected Rumford Center as its premiere development project for 2012.”

About New England Construction:
New England Construction is a family owned and operated construction services organization founded in 1985. New NEC offers comprehensive construction services and solutions to clients throughout New England in the following industries: automotive dealers, retail, multi-unit residential, healthcare, commercial/industrial, education and institutional. NEC is based in Rumford, RI with offices located in Fall River, MA and Newton, MA. www.neconstruction.com

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