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WESTBOROUGH – On Friday, January 25th, 2019, Westborough’s Economic Development Committee held their Fifth Annual Year in Review Celebratory Event. Keynote speaker Lt. Governor Karyn Polito expressed how proud she was of Westborough, and stated that the town’s economic evolution was a shining example of the progress that is occurring all across Massachusetts. The central portion of the event was dedicated to the acknowledgement of the businesses who had contributed to the growth of Westborough over the past year. In recognition of their renovation of the historic Arcade Building in Downtown Westborough, Stonegate Group was honored with the 2018 Outstanding Revitalization Project Award. Built in 1890, the Arcade Building is a three-story, mixed-use landmark in the heart of Westborough center and was erected on the site of the original Westborough Town Meetinghouse. A contributing resource to the Westborough Main Street Historic District for over 125 years, this downtown walk-in retail property is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Westborough Rotary. Under the guidance of the Massachusetts Historical Society and the National Parks Service, the building’s sensitive renovation restored not only the storefronts but also the entire façade of the structure, with a particular emphasis on the recreation of the ornamental roof parapet, which had been removed in the early 20th century. Accepting the award on Stonegate Group’s behalf was company CEO and president, Sean McGrath, who attended the event with various Stonegate Group employees who contributed to the project. Among the companies also in attendance were the architect and general contractor of the project, Diane Lim of Lim Design Studio and Nick Hall of PointsNorth Construction Management.  FRAMINGHAM, MA— Stonegate Group, a real estate developer with residential and commercial properties in Massachusetts, has installed a 1,070 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system atop its 92 Blandin Avenue property. Taylor Consulting and Contracting helped facilitate the project and the sale of the Net Metering Credits generated by the project to HallKeen Management for use by two of its Affordable Housing buildings in Massachusetts.
The industrial building at 92 Blandin Avenue was recently renovated and features approximately 147,773 square feet of commercial space. “The economics of Solar energy on the roof are terrific,” says Sean McGrath, President of Stonegate Group, “and we’re very happy about being able to provide renewable energy resource to Affordable Housing buildings that cannot go solar otherwise.” “The array definitely helps set us apart from other properties in the area,” McGrath said. “It’s also an advantage to let potential tenants know that the solar array offsets the carbon footprint of 199 cars commuting to work.” In addition to providing renewable energy resource for HallKeen’s Affordable Housing buildings, Stonegate is now able to take advantage of state and federal tax and financial incentives, including Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs), which are financial incentives based on the amount of solar energy a system generates. Electrical utility providers in Massachusetts purchase SRECs to help them meet their state-mandated goals which require that a percentage of their power comes from renewable energy sources. “Stonegate has been very forward-thinking in its decision to include solar in the renovation plans of this and other properties,” said Bill Riordan, President of Taylor Consulting & Contracting. “Taylor Consulting & Contracting is happy to be able to assist Stonegate’s team to help evaluate, procure and realize this and other solar investments across its portfolio.” “The 1,070-megawatt solar rooftop system will generate 1.34 MWHs/yr. of clean energy every year and an estimated 31.53 MWHs of clean energy over the life of the system,” said Riordan. “Two of HallKeen’s largest Boston Affordable Housing assisted living buildings will benefit greatly from the Net Metering Credits generated by the site over the life of the system,” says Jesse Curll, Senior Asset Manager of HallKeen Management. “These two assets would never have been able to take advantage of energy cost savings from solar programs in Massachusetts otherwise.” “With this and other properties, solar is but one example of how Stonegate Group is combining its established real estate expertise with the importance of increasing solar energy in the Commonwealth,” McGrath said. Funding for the project was provided by Middlesex Savings Bank.  WESTBOROUGH – Stonegate Group is pleased to announce that the façade rehabilitation of the historic Arcade Building at 1 West Main Street in Downtown Westborough is well underway.
The Arcade Building is a mixed use three-story, Richardsonian Romanesque-style commercial block constructed in 1890 to meet the demands of a growing downtown business district. The red brick and brownstone building, which is prominently situated overlooking the downtown rotary, is a centerpiece of Westborough’s West Main Street Historic District. The sensitive rehabilitation work planned for the building involves the exterior only, including cleaning the brick and brownstone, selective repointing the masonry as needed, replacing the mid-twentieth century storefront materials to better resemble the configuration seen in historic photos, and most excitingly the recreation of the original brick and masonry rooftop parapet that was removed and last seen high on top of the building in the early-twentieth century. “We are pleased and excited to restore new life into the Arcade Building, a building that has been a significant part of the fabric of the Westborough community for over 125 years” noted Sean McGrath, president of Stonegate Group. The historic façade is being rehabilitated under the guidance of the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the National Parks Service. Work on the Arcade Building began in April, 2018 and is scheduled to be completed in June, 2018. All four shops located on the retail level of the building will remain open during construction. NATICK: Selectman Susan Salamoff joined Town Officials and honored guests of Stonegate Group on October 11th, 2017 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated 13 West Central Street, the former site of American Legion Edward P Clark Post 107.
Selectman Salamoff thanked Stonegate Group for their “…special attention to detail in redeveloping the American Legion building to the Legion Condominium that not only maintains the character of Natick Center but adds to needed housing in Natick Center. Natick residents who wish to stay in Natick have an opportunity to downsize their homes and stay in the community”. Stonegate Group began construction in August of 2016, and has designated the building the “Legion Condominium”, an homage to its former life of several decades as an American Legion Post. The building was originally constructed circa 1880 and has hosted a variety of organizations including the Underwood Furniture Company, Natick District Court and F.W. Woolworth Company. Sean McGrath, president of Stonegate Group said “We’re proud to be involved in bringing life back to this prominent Natick landmark”. Renovations of this mixed-used property included a complete demolition of the building, with the exception of the south and east elevations, which were preserved in an effort to retain the historic character of the building. The property is comprised of four retail units on the first floor and eleven one and two bedroom units on the second and third floors. For residential tenants, the building houses an underground parking garage for their exclusive use, elevator access, a roof top deck overlooking Natick Common, and high-end features such as Quartz counter tops, hardwood floors, in-unit laundry, and Wi-Fi enabled thermostats. Rents start at $2,250 per month. The building has already generated a great deal of interest from both potential residential renters as well as commercial tenants alike who are interested in settling in Downtown Natick, which is currently in the midst of a cultural and economic revitalization. The newest property in the Natick Center District has been actively marketed by Stonegate Group for retail, restaurant, office and other commercial uses. McGrath stated, “13 West Central Street is a win for anyone seeking to grow their business or to start a new venture. There has been a lot of local attention focused on this redevelopment project, and it would be a terrific opportunity for any business hoping to be in the center of a supportive community”. Commercial spaces will be leased in warm shell condition and will range from approximately 837 square feet to 2,687 square feet. A larger business would be able to lease up contiguous spaces, a total of approximately 5,941 square feet. Historical Renovation Project in Downtown Natick Begins Leasing (13 W. Central Street, Natick, MA)11/22/2016
 NATICK – Construction at the highly anticipated former American Legion development continues at a rapid pace. The foundation has been prepped and Liberty Construction Services poured the concrete mat slab on November 18, 2016. The project will soon be turned over to Capone Iron Corporation, who will begin to erect the building’s steel frame. All construction activity is under the supervision of PointsNorth Construction Management, LLC.
With construction progressing on schedule and expected to be completed by late spring 2017, the Stonegate Group has commenced its marketing of the restaurant and retail spaces at the property to much interest and fanfare. Spaces range from approximately 823 square feet to a contiguous 6,452 square feet or more when combining multiple units. While available for restaurant or retail use, many Natick residents have voiced their hopes for more dining options in the downtown district. “We would welcome new restaurants to our center and view them as an incredible asset which we are extremely supportive of. A new restaurant in our downtown would join an already strong economic and growing business center,” said Athena Pandolf, executive director of the Natick Center Cultural District. Those retail level units designated for use as a restaurant are already approved to include outdoor seating, which has been another desire expressed by Natick residents. Call (508) 655-1700 for more information, and follow the progress on Facebook: Stonegate West Central NATICK – Construction of the highly anticipated former American Legion development began in mid-August, with Stonegate Group reuniting with PointsNorth Construction Management and Lim Design Studio on the project. “Stonegate is pleased to once again work with PointsNorth and Lim Design on this exciting renovation project. The quality craftsmanship and superior design of our most recent 2013 collaboration [Piccadilly Place in Downtown Westborough] proves that this team works cohesively with us to create an outstanding product,” stated Dean Calivas, chief operating officer at Stonegate Group. Over the next several weeks, with guidance from structural engineering experts from Boston Building Consultants and geotechnical engineers from Geosciences Testing and Research, contractors will work to protect the historical integrity of the building by shoring and stabilizing the exterior brick walls in preparation for the interior demolition this fall. While this extra step will add additional time and expense to the project, Calivas explained that “Stonegate understands the importance of preserving this historic Downtown Natick landmark.” The project is scheduled to be completed in late spring of 2017. Follow the progress on Facebook: Stonegate West Central   FRAMINGHAM -- The long-anticipated arrival of spring will bring about a new name and a new look to an established industrial park located in the heart of Framingham.
The Stonegate Industrial Park, formerly known as the Blandin Industrial Park, is a 5.58 acre site located near the Mass Turnpike and Route 128. Purchased by Stonegate Group, LLC in November 2015 for $3,175,000, the property contains approximately 160,000 square feet of industrial, warehouse and wholesale/retail space. “Since we purchased the property, we have made, or are in the process of making, several hundreds of thousands of dollars of upgrades to the Stonegate Industrial Park,” stated Dean Calivas, chief operating officer at Stonegate Group LLC. Among the improvements are new property-wide surveillance cameras, and the installation of several new garage doors and loading dock bumpers. Conscious of the importance of protecting the environment, energy efficient lighting will be installed in the interior and exterior of the property. In addition, new guard rails, fencing, and landscaping will be added to improve safety and the curbside appeal of the property. The Stonegate Industrial Park is comprised of three separate but interconnected buildings, the first of which was built in 1904 and the last in 1985. In order to improve navigation and safety throughout the expansive property for both tenants and customers alike, new signage has been added to all sections of the property. “The park is in a great location and is a wonderful place for businesses looking to establish a home in Framingham,” explained Calivas. “We are confident that these improvements will better serve our new and existing tenants.” The property roster currently includes long term tenants - International Auto Parts, West Springfield Auto Parts, Phillips/Lifeline, and Media Boss. Units of varying sizes are still available, some with drive-in access; others with dock high access. Ceiling heights range from 14 feet in some sections to 22 feet in others. “We are certain that Stonegate Industrial Park will be an important part of our portfolio for years to come,” Calivas added. Natick-based Stonegate Group LLC is a leading developer and manager of residential and commercial properties. Stonegate Group LLC also owns and manages over 500 residential units and over 400,000 square feet of commercial space throughout the MetroWest area and has been a leading provider of rental housing for close to 30 years.  NATICK -- Built c. 1880, the red brick-faced building located at 13 West Central Street in Natick has the distinction of being one of several landmark properties in the Natick Center Historic District. At the end of the 19th century, it was home to Cleland, Healy and Underwood Furniture Co, a former Natick treasure. After World War I, it housed the Natick District Court. As early as 1946, when the American Legion resided on the second floor, war veterans were flocking to its doors. And who can forget that F.W. Woolworth Company leased the first floor of the building in the 1940’s until 1960. Sadly, this well-known downtown building, which has been subject to deferred maintenance and largely vacant for the past several years, has fallen into disrepair.
Stonegate Group, a Natick-based real estate development company, has submitted plans to revitalize this once-thriving building known to many in town as the “American Legion Building”. Stonegate purchased the property in September of 2015, and has partnered with Lim Design Studio, a Boston-based architectural firm, to prepare plans to redevelopment the property. “We are proud to be involved in bringing life back to this prominent Natick landmark,” said Sean McGrath, president of Stonegate. He stated that the redevelopment plan calls for a mixed-use building that includes eleven one- and two-bedroom units, as well as up to four retail spaces. “Our goal is to bring one or two restaurants, with outdoor seating, to this property,” McGrath stated. “We think it will add to the ever-growing vibrant downtown landscape.” He added that the plan also includes an underground parking lot with 14 spaces. According to McGrath, Stonegate hopes to return the building to its former glory. Plans call for the deteriorated façade storefronts to be restored to their historic configuration, replacing the current recessed, angled storefronts and mid-20th century pedestrian entrance with three separate entry units for one or more restaurants and/or local businesses. All of the brickwork will be reconditioned wherever possible, and any deteriorated brickwork replicated as needed. The rear, non-historic mid-20th century and 1960’s additions to the building will be demolished and replaced with a three-story addition, but McGrath was quick to add that the aesthetic of the new structure will remain consistent with its historic roots. “We are confident that this will become a gem in Downtown Natick, and we look forward to working with the Town of Natick as we refine our plans,” McGrath said. On February 22nd, the Natick Zoning Board of Appeals will hear Stonegate’s request for a variance in order to move forward with its mixed-use development of the property. Stonegate Group, LLC is a leading developer and manager of residential and commercial properties. Stonegate Group, LLC also owns and manages over 500 residential units and over 400,000 square feet of commercial space throughout the MetroWest area and has been a leading provider of rental housing for close to 30 years.  NATICK – December 22, 2015 - Natick residents are invited to visit the Stonegate Group offices located at 83 Speen Street in order to see the 3-D model of its proposed Saint Patrick Project site. This design, which includes an underground parking garage with more than 130 spaces, 66 residential units and approximately 13,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space, was presented at the December 16, 2015 Natick Planning Board meeting.
The design is the result of several meetings held between Stonegate and concerned Natick residents in order to develop a project that would be in keeping with the neighborhood. At one of these meetings, held in early December, one concerned resident inquired about Stonegate’s commitment to properties once they have been completed. “This is a valid concern, and I hope our track record with other similar properties alleviates her concern,” said Dean Calivas, chief operating officer of Stonegate Group, LLC. Calivas cited the Piccadilly Place, a mixed-use facility located in downtown Westborough, which Stonegate Group renovated beginning in 2012. Located in the heart of downtown Westborough, the building had been home to the original Piccadilly Pub restaurant. For years, the building had been occupied by various businesses. When the restaurant shuttered its doors, the building lost many of its occupants and quickly fell into disrepair. As the renovations began in 2012, Stonegate Group “was mindful of the historical nature of the building,” Calivas said. In order to keep the structure’s original feel, Stonegate repaired and cleaned the exterior brick of the building. Inside, they created a mixed-use facility that included six commercial units on the bottom two levels, totaling 7,500 square feet. These were tailored for the specific tenants that now occupy the facility. In addition five one- and two-bedroom apartments were added on the upper floor. As part of the renovation, Stonegate added a handicapped-accessible entrance and extended the sidewalk in front of the building in order to address concerns of local residents. In June 2013, Stonegate received the certificate of occupancy. Almost immediately there was “quite a bit of interest” for both the commercial and residential properties, said Calivas. Tin Htway, Building Commissioner and Zoning Enforcement Officer for the town of Westborough, praised the Stonegate Group’s ability to take a building that needed so much work and “give it a whole new life.” “I am very happy with the look and feel of [Piccadilly Place],” he said. Htway said he credits this building for the revitalization of downtown Westborough, citing that Piccadilly Place is “one of the best looking buildings in downtown Westborough.” Htway praised the Stonegate Group’s dedication to maintaining the Piccadilly Place as well as when it first opened. “They are always very responsive,” Htway said. “They always repair anything we ask of them.” Noting that Stonegate maintains additional properties in Westborough, both commercial and residential, Htway praised the relationship Stonegate has fostered with the town. “They are very good people,” Htway said. “We have always had a very good relationship with them.” Stonegate plans to seek Natick Town Meeting approval this spring for the zoning changes required to proceed with the Saint Patrick Project development. Stonegate Group LLC is a leading developer and manager of residential and commercial properties. Stonegate Group LLC also owns and manages over 500 residential units and over 400,000 square feet of commercial space throughout the MetroWest area and has been a leading provider of rental housing for close to 30 years. We invite you to check out our Facebook Page and “like” us to receive current updates as this exciting project progresses: www.facebook.com/stonegatesaintpatricksproject  Boston - The former Penny Savings Bank building will officially begin its transformation into luxury residences and retail space at a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Thursday, April 27th at 1375 Washington Street, Boston. Mayor Thomas Menino, John Fish of Suffolk Construction and developer Sean McGrath of Stonegate Group will be at hand to celebrate the launch of construction for the long-awaited redevelopment project.
Located at the corner of Union Park and Washington Streets, the Penny Savings Bank is a stately, marble and granite building, designed in the Renaissance Revival style. First constructed between 1911 and 1917, the building originally housed the Boston Penny Savings Bank. In 1959, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston purchased the building, renaming it the Cardinal Cushing Center for the Spanish Speaking. Prior to the current redevelopment project, it was used as a thrift store. Over time, the facade of the building has lost some of its former luster and elegance. The developer, Stonegate Group, is excited about returning the structure to prominence in Boston's South End. The new design will be a hybrid of old and new. Three additional, sleek floors of glass will be erected, set back from the facade and marquis of the existing building. Entrance canopies, modeled after the originals from the early 20th Century will be recreated. The development will consist of 23 individual luxury residences, ranging from 966 square feet to 1,835 square feet. There will also be 9,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor and underground parking for more than 25 cars. "This project is just another great example of buildings throughout our city that are underutilized and can make way for the much needed housing we need in our neighborhoods," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "Specifically, this project includes the restoration of a beloved building on Washington Street, which will be returned to its former glory and become active with retail and residential uses." Stonegate group has engaged Suffolk Construction for the project, a renowned general contractor in the New England area known for its breadth of expertise and prominent projects, including many historical structures. Stonegate Group is also working with the architectural firm Finegold Alexander + Associates on the project, a group with extensive expertise in the South End and the revitalization of historic buildings. |