A Fresh New Look for 25 Main Street Hopkinton

GRLA is working with the new owners of 25 Main Street in Hopkinton to redesign and refine the interior to accommodate offices for Oasis Financial as well as additional office tenants. This historic, circa 1900 Greek Revival style building has lots of charm and character that GRLA will meld with new modern features to create a fresh contemporary interior look and feel.

The project includes redesigned floor plans to accommodate Oasis offices including code compliant access and stairs and space planning for a new entryway, private offices, conference rooms, break rooms and restrooms. New lighting and finishes will be incorporated throughout the building.  

The client is very excited about the new location and anticipates occupancy sometime in early 2022. Construction is by Chris Lavoie of HMHI Construction of Hopkinton.

Scott Richardson Lauded by Hopkinton Center for Arts

Scott Richardson and Kelly Grill, HCA Executive Director

GRLA’s President Scott Richardson received the inaugural Founder’s Philanthropy Award from the Hopkinton Center for the Arts at the HCA Founder’s Celebration held on September 25, 2021. Scott has been involved with the HCA from its very inception, working diligently with the staff, board members and volunteers to bring the center to life. It has been a passion project of his for over twenty years. Scott has donated countless hours above and beyond his scope of work to this project. His patience, guidance and creative spirit are a cornerstone of the HCA and will forever be felt inside its walls.

The celebration also featured a look back at the 10 years of HCA history, a moving tribute to the late long-time volunteer Dora Garabedian, and the presentation of the Dora Garabedian Vision Award to former HCA Co-Executive Director Kris Waldman.

Hopkinton Center for the Arts Renovates the Historic Terry Farmhouse

GRLA is proud to continue our 25-year relationship with the Hopkinton Center for the Arts with the long-awaited renovations to the historic Terry Farmhouse.

The circa 1850 farmhouse, which has been well-used over the years for art and music instruction and includes a longstanding ceramics studio, is being updated to expand the open area on the first floor to better accommodate the ceramics classes. The second floor is being renovated to provide more music instruction rooms with improved soundproofing, access, and all new finishes and lighting.

The exterior, which is showing its age, will be completely rehabilitated with new windows, doors, siding and trim, as well as a new roof and added insulation. The exterior stairs will be relocated to the rear of the building to provide an opportunity to bring the north elevation back to its original window configuration. The ramp will be rebuilt to provide compliance with ADA regulations and to be accessible directly from dedicated HC parking spaces. 

The Hopkinton Community Preservation Commission is funding the exterior renovations while a grant from the Mass Cultural Council is funding renovations to the interior. Completion of both projects is slated for late summer 2021.

GRLA Designs Country Music Venue

GRLA is pleased to be part of the team working on the latest music venue in Worcester. Working with owner Cliff Rucker and Consigli Construction, GRLA has designed a 4,200 SF Country and Western Music Hall, dubbed “Off the Rails”, that will accommodate over 400 people. The space is a large open room with a raised stage and wood dance floor and an open bar anchors the far end of the space. The glass enclosed vestibule entry from MLK Jr. Boulevard will provide the main entrance to the space.

The exterior incorporates materials that complement the North Main area and include brick, composite wood siding and generous glazing. Three large glass overhead doors provide direct access from the dance floor to the outdoor patio. 

The Music Hall will also be accessible from the existing bar and restaurant at 90 Commercial Street – creating a complete music, food, and bar venue.

The Planning Board gave unanimous approval for the project on June 16 and construction is slated to commence quickly and a grand opening is being planned towards the end of 2021.

ATOZ Laboratories Enjoys New Office and Laboratory Space

Photo by: Bill Horsman

ATOZ Laboratories, Inc. (ATOZ), founded in 2020, is a cannabis testing laboratory located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. ATOZ hired GRLA to renovate an existing 42,000 SF one-story brick office building to be used as the ATOZ cannabis testing facility. The total area for this fitout is approximately 6,000 SF of existing office space that was refreshed with new paint, ceiling and LED lighting. The remaining 3,000 SF was fully converted to laboratory space.

GRLA worked closely with Fitzmeyer & Tocci Associates and ATOZ to design the most optimal use of the space. The team focused on the testing equipment layout, including new millwork, to ensure the new layout was code compliant. The goal was to provide a bright, clean, and functional workspace. General contractor, The Stukel Group, LLC, was responsible for completing the fitout.

Scott Richardson Discusses Climate Reality in Celebration of Earth Day

Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) presents Climate Reality Conversation with Scott Richardson. This event will be held April 22, 2021 at 7:00 pm as a free in-person presentation to a small group as well as live streamed from HCA’s Delbridge Performance Space.

Scott is an active member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps. He is focused on putting his passion about sustainability into practice and delivers an informative and impactful presentation with specific strategies that can be employed immediately to help our planet. For more information visit the HCA website https://www.hopartscenter.org/art-conversation

Scott will also be speaking virtually to MassBay Community College April 22 at 12:00 pm. https://www.massbay.edu

GRLA Continues Work with Quanterix

Photo by: John Horner Photography

Quanterix Corporation, a scientific research company located at 900 Middlesex Turnpike in Billerica, MA, selected GRLA who has teamed with J.M. Coull, Inc. to provide design and construction documentation for the latest renovations of key laboratory and support spaces. This fast-track project will provide the required labs, manufacturing, and warehousing space for the production and distribution of COVID-19 Test Kits as well as expanded laboratory space for ongoing Quanterix work.

As this project moves through construction, planning for additional lab renovations will begin this spring.

Quanterix research focuses on digitizing biomarker analysis with the goal of advancing the science of precision health. Their needs consist of a variety of specialized lab spaces to host their digital health instruments and provide a comfortable highly functional research environment for their staff.

Sarah Krawiec, BES Assistant Project Manager - Celebrating Women In Construction

What do you enjoy most about your career in the construction industry?

What I enjoy most about construction is applying my skills and collaborating with others to make it happen while contributing to the improvement of buildings in my community. Whether it’s a new building, or renovating a condominium, university or commercial building, pointing at a building and saying, “I helped build that” is very rewarding. Additionally, every project is something new with interesting challenges and obstacles to overcome. I enjoy observing, learning and problem solving along the way.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?

Don’t hesitate to ask questions at the risk of looking like you are unsure of something. The consequences for not asking can be costly, it's imperative never to let your insecurities get in the way. Trust your knowledge, and if you’re not sure, there is no shame in asking questions to find the answer. Asking questions shows that you want to learn, you are investing in your career and care about the safety of yourself and those around you. Being humble and curious will get you far! 

What lessons have you learned over the last year?

Seek the skills you wish to acquire. I try to put myself in situations where I can fill holes in my experience and expertise whether it be attending seminars or asking to take on certain projects and responsibilities. Keep an eye on how you would like to be involved and go after it!

Dina Soliman, Assistant Project Manager - Celebrating Women in Construction

What do you enjoy most about your career in the construction industry?

I enjoy designing projects and seeing them go from sketches and drawings on paper to actual reality. I enjoy the complicated process of coordinating architecture with all trades of engineering and learning from engineers. I enjoy the construction administration process, site visits and on-site problem solving. I enjoy most the relationship I develop with the client and construction team. Upon successful completion of a project, I find it very fulfilling to see how the space users are enjoying their new building.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?

I would say do some research to know what you’re getting yourself into. If you like what you find out about it, then dive right in. As it is true in any industry, you will meet some people who will want to put you down but you will also meet a lot of people who will offer help and support. Don’t be intimidated by anyone. Don’t be shy to ask questions or to make mistakes. This is how people learn.

What lessons have you learned over the last year?

Over the last year I worked on several types of projects that are different from what I am used to working on. I learned that it is stressful and challenging to go out of my comfort zone, but it also expands my knowledge and it keeps me interested in what I do.

Anita Sandberg, Director of Interior Design - Celebrating Women In Construction

What do you enjoy most about your career in the construction industry?

Problem solving is my definition of designing. Seeing the final solution and improving the spaces that we all use.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?

Listen, observe, and be prepared to ask questions. Become indispensable - the broader your skill sets become, the greater your value to your organization.

What lessons that you have learned over the years?

1. Be critical of your own work and learn what could have been done better.

2. Continuously share what you have learned and be open to learning from your clients. Clients have a right to their opinions and they are paying for our services.

3. There is a difference between service and servant. We teach others how to treat us, don’t be the latter.

4. Justify your decisions so that they can stand on their own.

5. Maintain a sustainable mindset when specifying products, their manufacturing processes, transportation and recyclability. Most products are made from oil-based derivatives, i.e. Plastics including carpets, LVT (“Luxury” Vinyl Tile), fabrics, furniture etc. choose alternatives when available.

Edward Sprenkle Joins GRLA’s Building Envelope Team

GRLA is pleased to announce that Ed Sprenkle, RA, LEED AP, has joined the firm’s Building Envelope Services team as a Project Manager. Ed is a Licensed Architect who brings close to 20 years of architectural and construction experience to GRLA. He has a broad background having worked on government facilities, light commercial, and multi-family projects. In addition, he is a LEED Accredited Professional, further contributing to GRLA’s focus and commitment to sustainable design approaches.

Ed brings additional depth to the BES team, not only in envelope constructability focus but in field experience on multiple project types, including legacy construction systems. He will be a valuable asset to the team.

Robert Gutmann Is a Certified Construction Documents Technologist

GRLA is proud to announce that Robert Gutmann recently received the CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT®) certification. As a certified CDT®, Robert has demonstrated knowledge and understanding of writing, interpreting, enforcing, and managing construction projects through project conception to construction and facility management.  Robert’s accomplishment adds a depth of technical knowledge to augment real world experience and further enhance GLRA’s Building Envelope Sciences Division to better serve clients and work with peers.

Robert is an Assistant Project Manager responsible for property assessments, building envelope exploratory work, producing drawing sets and details, and conducting construction administration. He is also an active member of the CSI Worcester Chapter.

Jorge Gomez Joins GRLA

GRLA is excited to announce that Jorge Gomez has joined the firm’s Architecture Studio as Assistant Project Manager. Jorge comes to GRLA with a breadth of architectural and interior design experience having worked on multiple residential projects throughout Massachusetts and New York as well as commercial and healthcare projects.

Jorge holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Boston Architectural College and a MA Interior Architecture with a focus on Adaptive Reuse from the Rhode Island School of Design. He also served in the United States Marine Corps from 1999 – 2005 as a Member of 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Reserve unit and was called for duty as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002

Brandon Gaulin Graduates with a Master’s Degree

GRLA’s Designer/BES Technician, Brandon Gaulin, recently graduated from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale’s Master of Architecture Program. Brandon’s thesis focuses on master planning a development in San Francisco’s Balboa Park Upper Yard which is an overflow parking lot for the adjacent Balboa Park Station.

After the park closes each day this parking lot is used by the homeless to park their car overnight without disruption. San Francisco has proposed to develop this area to help those who are living below the poverty line get back on their feet. The Upper Yard Emergency Housing and Rehabilitation Center features various amenities such as housing, case offices, vocational workshops, classrooms, a soup kitchen, library, mental and physical evaluation offices, and a parking garage to continue to be utilized as overnight parking for those who are homeless. These amenities paired with the current plan for San Francisco to tackle their homelessness situation can help in lowering the population of homelessness.

GRLA Celebrates the Holidays 2020 Style

The challenges of 2020 did not stop GRLA from celebrating the holidays albeit virtually. Our team spent the afternoon telling stories, playing games, and even participating in the traditional Yankee Swap. It was a festive time had by all. We wish everyone a joyful and safe holiday season!

GRLA Welcomes Evan Halstead

GRLA is pleased to announce that Evan Halstead has joined the firm as Job Captain. Evan comes to GRLA with 15 years of architectural design experience. He has worked on scores of healthcare projects and more recently multifamily residential. As a LEED-accredited professional Evan has a passion for sustainable design. He received his degree in sustainable design from the Boston Architectural College and was active in the Boston Living Building Collaborative while attending BAC.

The GRLA Team Supports the United Way of Tri-County

Our staff participated in the Jack's Abby United Way 5K to help raise much needed funds to support the United Way’s most critical programs and services.

Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers and the United Way of Tri-County teamed up once again to rally runners and walkers to support the community at the 5th Annual Jack’s Abby United Way 5K. The race was virtual this year from October 10 - 17.

A New Community Center For The Town of Boxford

GRLA is leading the design of a new Community Center for the Town of Boxford. The project includes renovations to the historic Cummings House as well as additions for the new program spaces. The Center at 10 Elm will be a place for the town’s seniors, youth, and all generations to gather, share in activities, and provide a venue for community events. The existing Cummings House, located within the Boxford Village Historic District, is a late 19th century, timber frame home, donated to the town by Julia Cummings in 1938 and previously used as the town library since 1939, with an addition constructed in 1979. The library is now located in the Town Hall.

Cummings House

GRLA is working closely with the Town of Boxford to achieve their goals of expanded program spaces and increased access, safety and building comfort to properly respond to the community’s needs. The project will include demolition of the 1979 library addition and adjacent storage barn, renovation and refurbishment of the original Cummings House, and an approximately 5,000 sf addition with a large multi-purpose room with an outdoor patio, commercial kitchen, administration offices, support spaces, and a spacious entrance lobby. Parking for about 35 cars will be provided on site with the goal to preserve as much of the “Pony Field” as possible for town outdoor activities.

The current Phase I includes design through bidding. Once approved by Town Meeting in Spring of 2021, Phase 2 will proceed to construction through occupancy anticipated in early 2022.

Mixed-Use Development in Grafton Receives Approval

A proposed mixed-use development has been approved by the Grafton Planning Board. D&F Afonso Builders of Milford, Massachusetts has plans to develop a 15-acre site along Westboro Road and Institute Road in North Grafton.

GRLA has been responsible for providing site and building location planning, and schematic building and unit design for the new construction of five 3-story buildings. Two buildings will have first floor office/retail spaces totaling approximately 14,000 SF with two floors of 1 and 2 BR units above, while three buildings will include all three floors of residential units. The design concept includes a common park area, provides parking behind the buildings and creates an overall New England village concept.

Construction is anticipated to start in late fall with occupancy in Fall of 2021.

Leigh Walker Promoted to Marketing Manager

GRLA is proud to share that Leigh Walker has been promoted to Marketing Manager. Leigh has been with GRLA since 2019. As Marketing Manager, she is responsible for managing proposals, marketing/business development strategy as well as managing the firm’s marketing communications plan.