Curtis Construction was hired by the local social services provider Father Bills MainSpring to convert the former U.S. Army Reserve Center into a housing resource center (Phase 1) and to construct a new attached three-story supportive housing building (Phase 2) comprising thirty-two (32) studio efficiency apartments. Both phases were run concurrently.

The sitework, site improvements and landscaping were extensive. Sitework included building nearly 1,600 LF of new sidewalk with granite curb and landscaping from the limit of the property along busy Manley St. up to Route 123.

The housing resource center (Phase 1) began with extensive selective demolition. Demo work included the destruction of heavily reinforced concrete munitions and weapons storage vault in the center of the building. Substantial new underslab plumbing was installed for the gang showers, commercial kitchen and health center. The existing exterior brick fascade received continuous exterior insulation, new windows and siding with care taken to avoid any thermal bridging. The completed building included men’s and women’s dormitories, meeting space, a commercial kitchen, counseling offices and a health center to triage incoming guests.

The three-story supportive housing building (Phase 2) features a tight well insulated envelope, an elevator, laundry and staff offices. Each apartment has a kitchenette and full bathroom. Access controls throughout both phases is extensive.