WATERHEAD
Lowell, MA
ABOUT THE PROJECT
A historic rehabilitation project in Lowell, MA, Waterhead features 71 studio and one-bedroom apartments with high-end finishes, energy-efficient upgrades, and luxe on-site amenities.
The Waterhead Mill building was originally constructed in 1910 as a corduroy plant. Over the years, it hosted various manufacturing businesses. Prior to Waterhead’s renovation, the mill was previously home to Ramalho’s West End Gym, a local boxing club that was frequented by Micky Ward, a Lowell native and former professional boxer.
Today, Waterhead seamlessly blends old with new. Each and every apartment within Waterhead showcases the building’s classic character and charm with original brick walls, high ceilings, restored details, exposed beams and timber, and large, mill-style windows.
THE PROCESS
When Heritage Properties acquired the mill in 2019, it was underutilized and rapidly deteriorating. Our team utilized a combination of historic tax credit benefits and Massachusetts Housing Development Incentive Program credits to convert the building into market-rate apartments with modern onsite amenities.
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The renovation process aimed to preserve as much of the original architecture as possible, converting timber-and-brick industrial space into modern apartments. This involved restoring and cleaning the brick structure and façade, sandblasting the wood beams and staircases, and rebuilding the bridge that connected Waterhead to the mainland.
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Since its completion, the building has been recognized by Multi-Family Executive as a Grand Winner for the 2021 MFE Awards and received a nomination to the People’s Preservation Choice Awards by Preservation Massachusetts.
PROJECT TEAM
Get in Touch
Looking to work together? Contact our team below!