Renaissance on the River
Robert R. Robins

A construction project is currently underway to convert the old Lawrence Mills into condominiums and lofts on the corner of Aiken and Perkins St., across from Lelacheur Baseball Park 

The location of Renaissance on the River, on the banks of the Merrimack, centered around the many happenings in Lowell, was pivotal in the developer’s vision, according to Patrick McMahon, the Assistant Project Director.

“Lowell offers a dynamic urban environment, with our location being on the beautiful Merrimack River, right near the Umass Lowell campus,” said McMahon.  “We want to create a unique residential experience, and the buildings, location, and City of Lowell all do that.”

According to Susan Guftin, a representative from Peabody Properties Inc., which is the firm in charge of sales and marketing of Renaissance on the River, the construction is split up into two phases.  The first being, the Loft Residences, which should be complete sometime around early fall of 2005, tentatively in September.  The second stage, the Condominium Residences, should be complete sometime between December 2005 and January 2006.

In order to preserve the history of the mills, the developers wanted to keep as much architectural detail as possible in the interior of these buildings, such as exposed brick and wood beams in the ceiling, while at the same time, adding modern conveniences, said Guftin.

Renaissance on the River held its open house last weekend, October 16-17, which “was a predicable success,” said Guftin.  “We anticipated it, and a lot of people came by the site.”

Renaissance on the River is “open to anyone”, Guftin said, which includes Umass Lowell students.  The location is prime for a student who is looking to move out of the dorms, while still being close to campus.  According to the Renaissance on the River website, its amenities include washer and dryer hookups, gas heating, central air conditioning, wired cable television, a variety of floor plans, reserved on-site parking, storage compartments, a fitness center, and elevator access to all floors.

Guftin did not have an answer for the cost of living at Renaissance on the River because, “they are home ownership, and I don’t know the market, bur they will be of a fair market price, “ she said.

Along with the Residences, a three-acre public park will also be built, which will be the “centerpiece of the whole project,” Said Guftin.

The project of renovating the mills is headed by EA Fish Associates, a private developer headquartered in Boston.  The public park however, is a product of the collaboration of the Lawrence Mills Reuse Committee, which includes representatives from the City of Lowell, Umass Lowell, the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management, State Representatives, and the Senator, Guftin said.

The company behind Renaissance on the River, EA Fish Associates, has seen success in its past projects of mill renovation.  Four years ago, they gutted out a mill on Middle Street in downtown Lowell, and built the Ayer Lofts, which are also condominiums.  Guftin said the 50 available units there sold out in the first four months and that the project was a success.

If you are interested in learning more about Renaissance on the River, go to their website at www.renaissanceontheriver.com.