Multi-Family Housing

Orchard Park
Location: Roxbury, MA
Client: Domenech Hicks & Krockmalnic Architects

This 50-year old, 760-unit housing development was badly in need of refurbishing. Likewise, the surrounding area of Roxbury had been in a downward spiral economically and socially for years. When the federal government decided it was time to rejuvenate the neighborhood, Nitsch Engineering helped develop new streets and prepared Public Improvement Commission (PIC) street layout drawings, a perimeter property line plan, and a lease area plan. During this three-phase project, we designed the site utilities, layout, and grading. In our design of seven new streets accepted by the City of Boston, Nitsch Engineering established the street layout and the vertical and horizontal geometry; designed new water, sewer, and drainage mains and services; designed street signing and pavement markings; and secured permit approvals. Nitsch Engineering also prepared specifications and drainage and sanitary reports for the Boston Water and Sewer Commission and the PIC, and street discontinuance and easement plans for the PIC. Although the schedule was very tight due to federal funding deadlines — four months from schematic design to building permits — Nitsch Engineering secured all permits on time.

Erie-Ellington Homes
Location: Dorchester, MA
Client: Bruce Hampton, Architect

Nitsch Engineering performed land surveying, civil engineering, site design, and permitting services for Erie-Ellington Homes, a 50-unit affordable rental housing project located on seven lots. The property line and topographic surveys provided a project base plan. Nitsch Engineering prepared ALTA/ACSM land title plans for financing purposes. We designed site layout, grading, and utility plans for each of the seven lots. Grading was complicated by the need to cover lead-contaminated soils and also to eliminate the need to transport soils offsite. Nitsch Engineering prepared cut-and-fill analyses to ensure site balance was maintained. We obtained site plan approval from the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, and supplied construction layout services to the contractor, CWC Builders, Inc.

Worthington Place
Location: Cambridge, MA
Client: HMFH Architects, Inc.

The historic Worthington Pump and Machine Shop facility, included on the National Register of Historical Places, occupies a block on Binney Street between Fifth and Third Streets in Cambridge's Kendall Square. To preserve the property's historical value and use the space economically, the building has been creatively converted into 182 residential apartment units. The roof over one section was removed to provide an interior landscaped courtyard, and a parking garage for 186 cars was carved out of the ground floor level. Nitsch Engineering designed site and courtyard grading and utilities, which included new sidewalks on Fifth Street, reconstruction of Rogers Street, and the redesign of the Binney Street sidewalk to accommodate handicapped access. Because of the age of the building's service connections, Nitsch Engineering supervised the video inspection of numerous sewer and drainage services and made recommendations for rehabilitation, replacement, or reuse. We also prepared permit applications for municipal and state sewer connection permits.