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At Home in the Berkshires

This repurposed, post-Civil War era mill building is the embodiment of sustainable living

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Cable Mills Residences

Client - Traggorth Companies, LLC
Williamstown, Massachusetts

Finegold Alexander’s design transformed the General Cable Mill complex into a vibrant residential community. Built in 1873, General Cable Mill manufactured twine; and in later years, wire and cable. Over time, the mill complex became an abandoned ruin consisting of 15 buildings, eight of which were chosen for renovation. Selective demolition allowed for a coherent arrival sequence, green spaces and vehicular and pedestrian circulation to support the development. Finegold Alexander designed interior space plans for 61 housing units—13 of them designated affordable—which utilize highly sustainable, energy efficient and eco-friendly systems and materials.

(Photo credit: Jane Messinger Photography)

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Size
107,000 SF
Scope
Renovation, Adaptive Reuse, Historic Preservation
Program
Entry + Lobby Spaces, Common Areas, Residential Units, Outdoor Spaces
Sustainability
Awards
2017 Preservation Massachusetts, Paul & Niki Tsongas Award
In the news
Salem Jail Residences and The Residences at Cable Mills Featured in Coldwell Banker's Global Luxury
Project EUI
Cable Mills exterior with chimney in the background, blue skies and fall foliage.
Red brick mill building with chimney behind and a tree on the right
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"This project adds a new level of vitality to this end of Water Street… This is a beautiful place. They've done a beautiful job here."
Jason Hoch, Town Manager of Williamstown, in public remarks at opening ceremony for Cable Mills

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Cable Mills complex surrounded by rolling hills of late summer folliage.
Brick facade details with tall mill windows.
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The $26 million, 61-unit renovation included preservation of the historical integrity of the exterior brick and 20 types and sizes of windows across the three buildings. Attention to detail in restoration ensured its place on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Interior lobby with modern art in the background of a seating area.
Copper door detail in a white hallway.
Dining room table and living room area in front of mill windows with views on the trees.
Kitchen with horizontal shelves over the sink and countertop, with plates, glasses, and jars with grains.
Entrances to various apartments in the mill complex, with small overhangs and an area to park bikes.
Sloping walkway in front of Cable Mills facade, with large windows
Centered chimney Stack in front of mill complex.
Walkway to mill building at dusk, with greenery and warm lighting.
Historic Image of Cable Mills with workers lined up in front of the mill.
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"The project spanned 13 years, 3 development teams, 2 Town Managers, and included multiple Williamstown community and Town stakeholder groups, local, state, and national historic agencies, designers, engineers and contractors to complete the project. Typically, a project like this would only take a few years to complete but our team navigated unusual circumstances and encouraged the exceptional dedication of many people who ensured the vision was realized."
Christopher Lane, AIA, Senior Associate, Finegold Alexander
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