New England City Scoop: Construction Starts in Providence

City Scoop Providence — Construction spending projected to slow by more than 21% in 2020 after rising in 2018 and 2019

The Roger Williams University School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management (SECCM) Labs includes the Shawmut Design & Construction Methods and Materials Laboratory.

*RENDERING BY BREWSTER THORNTON GROUP ARCHITECTS, COURTESY SHAWMUT DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION*

Callahan’s $40-million project in Providence known as 78 Fountain St. includes 143 units, retail, a fitness center and rooftop deck.

*PHOTO BY PATRICK SCHULZ, COURTESY OF CALLAHAN CONSTRUCTION*

City Grill

Chris Maury
Regional Director
Shawmut Design & Construction

Incubator space for students and professionals to “share ideas and create synergies” propels Providence’s innovation economy, says Maury. For example, Shawmut is finishing Roger Williams University’s School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management (SECCM) Labs. The $13.8-million, 27,000-sq-ft building cultivates “the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical applications,” Maury says. The project also includes the Shawmut Design & Construction Methods and Materials Laboratory.

But Maury says Providence will only thrive by retaining graduates from local schools such as Brown University, Providence College and Rhode Island School of Design. “This is particularly true as it relates to the ‘blue economy’ and the future potential of offshore energy,” he says. That’s why Maury is proud Shawmut recently completed River House, the first apartments in the city’s Innovation and Design District. The 153,000-sq-ft mixed-use project includes 174 units.

Maury notes that Providence is an alternative to Boston. “Companies can choose to either relocate, and/or open a satellite office in Providence that is more affordable and offers an easier commute for some of their employees,” Maury says.

Firm in Focus

Callahan Construction
80 First St., Bridgewater, Mass.
President: Patrick Callahan
Employees: 200
Founded: 1954
What’s New: Callahan’s $40-million project in Providence known as 78 Fountain St. includes 143 units, retail, a fitness center and rooftop deck. Shortly after starting work in October 2018, Callahan discovered that existing site conditions were different than originally expected. While the original design called for the installation of ground improvements, the previous building’s foundations had been left in place, rendering the initial design scheme unusable without removal. Callahan redesigned a plan to remove and replace approximately 14,000 cu yd of material, including the existing foundations.

The Bridgewater, Mass.-based family-owned firm provides construction management services on a variety of projects, including hotels, mixed-use, multifamily residential, educational and office/lab projects.