What do you get when you combine a mill complex, the need for affordable housing, and Keith Construction? Development of a 45-unit affordable housing complex for working individuals and families in the Pittsfield's Morningside neighborhood. Rice Silk Mill involved a historic conversion of the mill complex known as the A.H. Rice Company. Originally built in 1874, the complex played a major role in Pittsfield’s rise as a textile manufacturing center during the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century.
The historically sensitive renovation resulted in various unit types, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, featuring modern amenities (exercise facility, community room, and wireless internet access) in a loft-type setting. Completed on a 13 month project schedule, the project challenges included re-use of existing physical resources, preservation of historic buildings, use of existing infrastructure and energy-efficient design, in a dense urban setting.
The effort has been well worth it, as the new community has contributed to the ongoing revitalization of Morningside neighborhood.
Congratulations to Keith Construction for being awarded 2 GOLD Tommie awards for the Spicer/Roman Residence and the Timberframe Home in the Woods, for Excellence in Single Family Homes. We would also like to congratulate Keith construction President Ken Dahlen who has officially been designated as a Master Residential Builder in BC. There are only a few CHBA certified Master Builders in the province at this time.
About the Spicer Roman Residence
Rated “Built Green” platinum! This Prairie style modern home was built high into the grasslands and positioned to maximize the views of the Coldstream valley and Kalamalka Lake. Designed to bring in as much natural light as possible it also maximizes the views from all of the main rooms of the house…even the ensuite has a view. The 14 ft ceilings in the great room create an airy and open feel while the dropped tray along the perimeter helps draw the eye down. The large great room/kitchen area is made for entertaining!
The home offers softened Modern design with horizontal lines, plentiful windows and an open floor plan. It is very Fung Shui: fire (fireplace),earth (wood in the cabinets & floors), air (spaciousness, fans & cross ventilation) & water (blue glass & turquoise accents). The hard angles of the rooms are softened with curved artwork and soft edge furniture.
The kitchen features high gloss cabinets with maple wood accents, glass backsplash and quartz countertops, made for easy cleaning. The upper cabinets have electronic touch “tap to open” technology. There are multiple work spaces c/w bench seat in the kitchen area for enjoying the morning sun. The extra large island with seating allows for visiting while enjoying the view. The kitchen boasts energy efficient appliances : induction cooktop, indoor electric grill, built-in steamer, rotisserie oven, and dishwasher drawers. There is a combination of open and closed cabinets with many niches throughout home. Natural light was the key to creating this space limiting the use of the LED lighting. There are 2 linear electric LED fireplaces with crystals that provide supplemental heat in the winter.
About the Timberframe Home in the Woods
A Craftsman oasis in the woods awaits. Vaulted ceilings to a loft over the kitchen and plentiful windows open the home to vistas of the woods and sky. Wood timber framing, wood ceilings and floors, and the open plan create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Downstairs you will find a fully equipped wet bar and games room. Sip on your glass of wine on the timber framed covered deck while overlooking the stunning views.
Our client’s dream – this home has a “luxury ski chalet” feel with timberframing, pine T&G ceilings and is tucked in the forest overlooking Vernon & both Kalamalka and Okanagan lakes. This custom timberframe was designed with longevity of character in mind and placed on the property with strategic removal of trees to preserve the natural setting, privacy, views, sun exposure and shade. It was designed to have a “public” side with a loft, great room & man cave in built in traditional timberframe, all focusing on the view, and a “private” (quiet) side with bedrooms up and down finished in modern decor. The timber frame in & out has structural rods presenting three decorative motifs: a maple leaf, music note & Roman numeral for the year the home was built. The floor to ceiling wood burning rock fireplace with bookcases, wraps around to the staircase adding to ambience of this chalet. LED lighting throughout enhances the timber-framing details. Upon entry into the large foyer with timber and pine ceilings , you will appreciate the view of the lakes over the staircase. The short post glass rails on the loft allow for expansive views and creates an “in the rafters” feel.
The dark wood cabinets contrast with the light wood doors & trim, solid wood interior doors, hardwood flooring and timber framing. The home has easy maintenance with durable acacia hardwood, quartz countertops and heated ceramic tiles.
The layout allows for easy entertaining in one large room on the upper level and the large “man cave” area below with media, bar and games areas. This stunning home is perfect for single level living with the main rooms, laundry & sports equipment area in the mudroom adjacent to kitchen with access to garage.
Built Green Standards with: Energy Star appliances, LED lights, triple glazed windows with reflective coating, HRV, high efficient mechanical systems, and rough in for geothermal and solar. The home was built with 2×8 staggered stud walls with R32 wall insulation, R50 in flat ceilings, and R40 in sloped ceilings. Sill gasket drywall & vapour barrier paint were used for a very air-tight and comfortable indoor environment. It comes complete with low maintenance metal roof, Hardie and rock exterior with timber detailing.
Can you imagine a historical renovation of a former middle school to be redesigned to offer affordable senior housing?
That's what the Keith Construction project team has done in Albany, NY. The project consisted of a historically sensitive renovation of the 230,000-square-foot, former Philip Livingston Magnet Academy. This vacant and underutilized landmark structure was transformed into a mixed-income senior living community with 103 rental units, including studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. The historic fabric of the original building has been maintained through the renovation process. Classrooms were converted into apartment homes, and large open areas that once housed the administrative offices, auditorium and two-story school library were converted into amenity areas for the residents. Additionally, the proposed development provides quality affordable housing to residents, creating a true mix of incomes within the community.
The renovation has been redesigned to include the following:
Keith Construction is a service business that focuses their expertise in housing reconstruction and new development, through a collaborative building effort. The firm's projects fall inside four market segments defined as:
historic preservation;
sustainable building;
rental housing; and
new development.
The firm takes pride in construction that is 'built to last' and endeavors to understand the interrelationships different building components and systems have on the whole building. More than building green or using the most environmental friendly products, this concept works to create the most value from construction through design collaboration, product availability and cost, and understanding owner needs. This results in a more efficient, cost-effective building, with lower operating costs and significantly less impact on the surrounding environment.
One example is Olympia Oaks in Amherst, MA that is a newly constructed, affordable, energy efficient neighborhood. The project includes 2- and 3-bedroom townhouses, common green, gardening area and playground. The neighborhood was designed to include energy efficiency, affordability, accessibility, and create a sense of community connection. The community is surrounded by beautiful town conservation woodlands and nature trails.
Thank you to our newest Chapter Sponsoring Partner: Keith Construction! They are our new Silver Sponsors. It is great to have another dedicated high-performance construction company as part of our sponsoring partner network.
Keith Construction is a general contractor and construction manager specializing in multifamily residential construction for clients throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States. For over three decades, they have steadily grown and expanded our geographic range and scope of services to become a leader in residential rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, historic renovations, and new construction. They have done this by:
– Bringing a sense of urgency and attention to detail to all facets of the project
– Professionally managing, estimating and purchasing to give our clients the best value
– Ensuring our clients are treated fairly and doing what we promised.
They understand your building program and management needs to guarantee construction is fully integrated with accomplishing your goals.
The proof of this commitment can be found in talking to their many satisfied clients. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, Keith Construction incorporated in 1993. Keith Construction is registered to do business in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Keith’s satisfaction is derived from developing long-term relationships and consistent delivery of projects. They welcome the opportunity to further talk about how they could be of service to your company.
Read more about Keith Construction on its website.
