Salem, MA – Callahan Construction Managers announced it was selected to manage the ground-up reconstruction of the Leefort Terrace Affordable Housing complex in Salem. When complete, Leefort will provide both existing and future residents with access to eco-friendly, affordable apartments that will also be Passive House certified and 100% electric and solar powered. Beacon Communities is overseeing the redevelopment of the community.
Leefort Terrace was originally completed in 1958 but required significant modernization after receiving virtually no updates since its original construction. Beacon and the Salem Housing Authority chose Callahan to oversee the project due to the company’s deep experience in the affordable housing space, along with its background in managing complex, multi-phase renovations in dense, urban locations. In addition to being outdated, all residences within the existing Leefort facility are on the ground floor in garden-style settings built on a coastal floodplain, and state and federal regulations would not allow for renovation in the existing configuration.
The project consists of the demolition of all eight existing buildings and the construction of a new, three- and four-story Passive House structure that will house 124 affordable rental units. Amenities will include a fitness center, community room, wellness office, computer stations, a Tenants’ Organization office, and property management suite, along with laundry rooms on each floor. Included in the site plan are 100 parking spots (83 basement garage spots and 17 surface-level parking spots), as well as 86 spaces for bicycle parking, 2 EV charging stations, and 25 EV-capable parking spaces. Beacon has temporarily relocated the Leefort Terrace residents offsite to allow for construction.
After feedback was received from the Salem community, a smaller footprint, lower building height, and increased emphasis on open space were all considerations that impacted the final design, along with environmental concerns.
“We understood from the moment we saw the first renderings of Leefort Terrace how invaluable this community is for the residents of Leefort Terrace and of Salem,” said Steve Callahan, Jr., vice president – business development, Callahan. “As such, Callahan is committed to not only building a forward-looking affordable housing community, but one that is truly sustainable as well, thus combining two areas of significant expertise for Callahan. In addition, we’re excited to work with our partner Beacon Communities on a project that will transform the local housing landscape for the better.”
