Location: 92 Race Street, Holyoke, MA
Property Type: Private / Education
Scope of Work:
Raymond R. Houle Construction completed the 13,000-square-foot renovation of a historic mill building in Holyoke, MA, transforming a multi-use arts collective into a private vocational school for students with behavioral needs. The project involved both cosmetic upgrades and essential infrastructure improvements, including the construction of two ADA-compliant bathrooms, modifications to egress pathways, and extensive work to bring the building into code compliance.

 

Unique Challenges Overcome:

  • Tight Timeline: Architectural drawings were not finalized until after the July 4th holiday in 2024, leaving less than eight weeks to complete construction before the start of the school year in September.

  • Broad Scope: The renovation included substantial improvements across multiple trades and building systems, despite the compressed timeline.

  • First-Time Owner: The client was new to the construction process and did not have an internal project manager.

  • Design-Build Coordination: We assembled and led the full design team, including mechanical and electrical engineers, to streamline planning and execution.

  • Code Compliance Issues: The existing structure had several fire code violations that needed to be corrected.

  • Pre-Existing Conditions: The previous owner had performed a significant amount of work without permits or documentation, requiring careful inspection and remediation.

 

Value Delivered:

  • Financial Support: We donated $3,500 of our project fee to support the school’s mission.

  • Accelerated Scheduling: Our team worked double shifts and weekends to meet the aggressive deadline.

  • Collaborative Coordination: We worked alongside the owner’s self-hired subcontractors, helping them integrate smoothly into the project while minimizing costs.

  • Pre-Construction Guidance: Before the property was purchased, we conducted building walk-throughs with the owner to help select an appropriate and feasible location for the school.

 

Result:
Despite the accelerated timeline and unique challenges, Raymond R. Houle Construction successfully delivered a fully renovated, code-compliant facility — on time and ready for the school’s fall opening. The project stands as a testament to our collaborative approach, problem-solving capabilities, and commitment to community-focused clients.