Marlborough, MA – Universal Window and Door has provided historic replica windows for the recent transformations of multiple former school buildings into affordable housing – including two that included Live/Work studios reserved for artists and those in the arts community. The first, the Fitchburg Arts Community, provides 68 mixed-income, artist-preference apartments in three former historic municipal buildings in Fitchburg. The second, the Beverly Village for Living & the Arts (pictured above), created 85 income-restricted apartments for people aged 55+ and six unique Live/Work studios with a preference for artists. Longtime Universal Window partner Canton-based Keith Construction was the construction manager for both projects.
The Fitchburg Arts Community was developed by NewVue Communities in collaboration with the Fitchburg Art Museum. Designed by ICON, which also designed many of the renovation projects that are revitalizing Fitchburg’s downtown, the Fitchburg Arts Community offers 68 studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments as part of a renovation of the historic former BF Brown School, High School Annex and City Stables. Universal supplied over 250 energy-efficient historic windows from the 550 Series for the project, a critical component in securing the historic rehabilitation tax credit that can offset up to 20 percent of a developer’s expenditures. Qualifying projects must be certified by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and are earned when the completed project is placed in service.
The Fitchburg Arts Community apartments will be primarily reserved for artists, defined as those who are passionate about their art. Artists don’t need to make their living from the arts, but they do need to be involved in creating art in a meaningful way. The Fitchburg Arts Community will also feature public art, gallery and studio space, and a landscape plan that knits the entire site together by creating an arts campus that connects to the Fitchburg Art Museum.
The Beverly Village for Living & the Arts was co-developed by Beacon Communities and Harbor Lights and combines affordable senior housing, integrated wellness services, and a vibrant arts scene. The project transformed the former Briscoe School, built in 1923, into 85 apartments reserved for 55-plus renters with incomes between 30% and 60% of AMI, with six unique Live/Work studios with a preference for artists.
Keith Construction was the construction manager, and SV Design was the architecture firm on the project. Universal provided approximately 350 historic replica windows from their 550 Double Hung Series and worked closely with SV Design to identically replicate the original windows, installed over a century ago. While meeting the stringent requirements of the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the new windows feature insulated glass with thermal breaks, ensuring modern energy efficiency that meets today’s building codes.
In addition to the apartment units, the former auditorium is being preserved for future use as a community performing arts space, maintaining the building’s historic connection to its community. The former gymnasium will house resident amenities, including a community room, computer learning center, wellness and fitness spaces, library and reading room, and a workshop. Outdoor amenity spaces include a terrace and patio.
“Universal Window is proud to continue our relationships with Keith Construction and best-in-class historic preservation developers and architects in preserving and repurposing these former municipal buildings,” said Jim Finn, president and CEO of Universal Window and Door. “In addition to creating much-needed affordable housing, they are creating space for the arts, strengthening the fabric of their communities.”