Today, McDonald Building Company celebrated the groundbreaking of Beech Street Factory, a former furniture manufacturing facility that will soon transition into 43 comfortable, sustainable, and affordable urban loft apartments and artist hub. Originally built in 1912, this massive brick warehouse complex first served as the Leibowitz Shirt Factory, then the Fecera’s furniture warehouse, and now this deteriorating structure that has been in need of a revival will see a new day. The project calls for the rehabilitation of the 60,000 sq. ft. site and structures into mixed-use residential geared towards local artists and features ADA-accessible commercial space that will serve ArtFusion 19464, a local non-profit art school and gallery. Sustainable highlights include EnergySTAR appliances and water-conserving initiatives to keep the residents’ utility bills at a minimum. The large windows and historic character of this building only enhance the overall site developments including landscaped parking lots, a new central open air courtyard and other amenities such as gallery space, leasing offices, and a community room.
The Pennsylvania Housing & Finance Agency (PHFA) is providing a $1.1 million low-income housing tax credit towards the project and additional funding is being provided by Montgomery County and Enterprise Community Investment among others. Congratulations to Housing Visions and Genesis Housing Corporation on the long-awaited start to this exciting project. MBC is excited to be a part of this visionary project and the revitalization of this area of Pottstown. Barton Partners is the Architect of Record and construction is expected to take about a year and complete by early 2017.
Click here to view renderings of this project and more info.
Construction Team & Project Partners
Local & Federal Officials and Funding Partners
McDonald Building Company Beech Street Factory Project Team from left to right: Brian Blickos-Project Engineer; Keith Hart-Project Manager; Brad Springer- Lead Estimator; Michelle Nichols - Project Coordinator; and Vince Scatamacchia - Project Superintendent
The Honorable Tim Hennessey, PA House of Representatives, commemorating the groundbreaking with a solid wall bashing.