Location. Location. Location. It’s the number one rule in real estate.
And 102 Pliny Street in Hartford, Connecticut, is a prime location for one of LaRosa Building Group’s newest construction projects.
Since 2017, this once-vacant My Sister’s Place property has been gutted and transformed into 24 residential units of affordable and supportive housing. When the project is completed in Spring 2024, 7 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom, and 6 three-bedroom apartments will be available for individuals and families in need.
Founded in 1982, My Sister’s Place and its affiliates Community Housing Advocates, Inc. and Mercy Housing Corporation provide a wide range of transitional supportive housing and services for 6,000 individuals and families annually.
“We’re currently seeing an increase in homeless families and homeless elderly individuals nationally, so we are trying to stay ahead of the trend in the Hartford area,” commented Kara Capone, CEO of Community Housing Advocates, the parent organization of My Sisters’ Place. “Developing housing like this will help. It is one more tool in our toolbox toward ending homelessness.”
Located in the residential community of Clay Arsenal, two miles north of Downtown Hartford, 102 Pliny Street is the ideal location for their future residents. Here’s why:
This housing project is just across the parking lot from another facility operated by My Sister’s Place, Sue Ann Shay Place, which offers shareable resources, including youth programs, computer labs, case management, property management, and security.
The location is also near community health centers, local supermarkets, and the YMCA.
The area around this property has many nearby transportation options, which means residents do not necessarily need to own a car to get to work.
“We are proud to partner with Community Housing Advocates and the State of Connecticut in their mission to serve as national leaders in creating innovative services for the homeless population,” explained James LaRosa, CEO of LaRosa Groups.
This project showcases not only La Rosa’s commitment to social causes but highlights many of the LaRosa core values that help us stand out within the construction industry.
The LaRosa Core Values that Make us an Award-Winning Construction Company
Delivering a Quality Product
Whether working on a high-end construction site or a supportive housing complex, the LaRosa goal is to provide a quality project that meets clients’ expectations. To facilitate that goal, we place a full-time project superintendent on site. The superintendent’s job is to oversee the subcontractors and ensure quality control is performed proactively and concurrently.
“Our emphasis on delivering a quality product is one of the factors that helps build relationships and encourages our clients to use LaRosa for multiple projects,” explained James LaRosa.
Promoting Job Site Safety
Keeping our workers, subcontractors, and clients safe as well as all who come in contact with our construction site, is a LaRosa priority. We have a dedicated safety team that proactively checks the job site and identifies any potential hazards. In addition, the project manager and project superintendent participate in weekly meetings to be sure all safety measures are met.
“Our record for safety has been exemplary, and we consistently receive stellar reports that are never below 95%,” explained Scot Thomas, Project Manager, LaRosa Building Group, LLC.
Consistent Online and In-Person Communication
It takes a team to develop a project and bring it to completion on time and within budget. The key to team building is ongoing, consistent in-person and online communication. In addition to scheduled meetings, we use Procore, a sophisticated project-management construction software program that systematically documents the progress of the project and consolidates information in one place. When we encounter unforeseen issues, we can take photos, upload them, and send them to the architect, engineer, or the owner for review. This real-time communication, which supplements the in-person meetings and calls, is essential for consistent project management.
Ongoing Commitment to the Environment
The project has been designed and built to high-energy standards. The addition of an ERV (energy-recovery ventilation) system improves air quality. Solar panels have been integrated into the roof, resulting in financial savings to the owner and critical environmental benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. New insulated windows and doors have been installed, and heavy insulation has been added, including spray foaming the roof, to promote energy efficiency.
“Between the upgraded energy-efficient windows, solar PV panels, extensive insulation, and new energy-efficient mechanical systems, we are taking a historic building and turning it into a highly efficient green building," explained James Uryase, Senior Estimator, LaRosa Building Group, LLC.
Expertise in Historic Rehabilitation
Though 102 Pliny Street has no state or national designation, it is located in a historic district with notable exterior features. There was an original building and an addition, and the construction types differed. With our expertise, the newly renovated site will meet current building code standards while maintaining the original historical integrity.
“Historic rehabilitation projects intrigue me. I wonder about the history, and I enjoy bringing them back to life. This property is an old mill building, and the exposed brick and architectural design is a highlight,” added Thomas.
Proactive Planning
As an award-winning construction company and a leader in historic rehabilitation, we have learned to anticipate structural and architectural change orders as an inevitable part of a renovation project. Through our extensive experience, we know the options available and can offer an array of alternatives at various price points. This minimizes delays and budget overruns.
“The inherent challenges of renovations are unforeseen until you actually do the demolition,” explained Uryase. “Once the building was gutted, we noticed the brick piers were decayed and needed replacement, and one of the supporting beams was cracked. We knew the options and experienced only a slight setback.”
LaRosa Building Group is a leader in historic rehabilitation. Whether the site is listed on State and National Historic Registers or the project is within a historic district, we have the skills and expertise to bring the structure up to current building standards without compromising its integrity.
Let us help you with your next project. Schedule your free consultation today.