Describe the history of the land and key milestones in the development of the project.
In 2003, Sal Lupoli was looking for property in Lawrence for his successful franchise, Sal’s Pizza. While touring abandoned mill buildings he saw potential. Located on the Merrimack River, off a major highway and with plans to open a commuter rail station across the street, which would connect the mills directly to Boston, just 30 miles south. The goal was to turn the 3.6 million square foot site into a “live-work-play” environment. After the success with the first mill building, Sal bought two more mill buildings which would constitute the remainder of Phase I. By 2009, phase I was complete and Phase II began in 2007 with another adjacent mill, this one roughly 1 million square feet. With major tenants in place, Phase II evolved to include more retail space and office space.
Phase III began in 2011 with the purchase of another mill. Plans included residential and commercial development. 203 existing apartments were transformed, which remain at a 98% occupancy rate.
In 2017, 57 additional units were built on the west side of the Mill.
In 2021, we will open the final phase of the Wood Mill with 596 residential units and the final stages of constructing a regulation size turf field with a track for public use is underway. This field will sit above a 1,200 car parking garage along the Merrimack River providing additional green space. Construction has started on an 80,000 square feet of commercial space to include a restaurant, function facility, café and office space.
Describe the physical building or space in more detail. Describe the sub-spaces and their relationship to one another.
With historic mills, Lupoli companies wanted to honor the historical relationship the mill buildings have with the city of Lawrence and the region. The iconic brick was kept for the integrity of the space. Inside each building, there is exposed brick to highlight the mill with modern eco-friendly features. The historic architecture combines eco-friendly features and versatile mechanical systems. The modern exterior design of the new building incorporates brick and steel to celebrate the site’s industrial past, while the interior entry lobby integrates a green wall and wood baffling to create a warm and welcoming environment. This project marks a new chapter in the evolution of the Riverwalk campus, which continues its emergence as a regional hub for medical and life science firms which is an anchor for the local community.
