Marshfield Commons Model for Smart Growth: NEC as GC – O’Hearne Assoc. Architects

March 29, 2012

North Smithfield, RI- NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley (NWBRV), the Town of North Smithfield, and many other development partners broke ground on their new affordable housing development earlier this year.

North Smithfield, RI- NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley (NWBRV), the Town of North Smithfield, and many other development partners broke ground on their new affordable housing development earlier this year.
“The architects and engineers worked hard to make this classic New England village environmentally state of the art. This will be affordable workforce housing at its best,” said Robert Ericson, Town Planner for North Smithfield.
New England Construction is the general contractor. The architect for the project is O’Hearne Associates.
The development, called Marshfield Commons, will be a model for rural smart growth, preserving over 74% of the 6.3 acre site for open space. When completed, the site will feature 38 town-house style one to three bedroom units scattered among 18 buildings.
John O’Hearne of O’Hearne Associates said, “We have designed Marshfield Commons according to Smart Growth principals. We have attempted to provide a safe, walkable neighborhood to promote interaction and enjoyment for its residents. This has been accomplished through the retention of areas of natural beauty, the provision of a village common and the creation of an old fashioned neighborhood streetscape. There has been careful design of traffic calming roadways, along with the creation of semi-private resident outside spaces, all helping to provide a sense of ‘ownership’ for each of its residents.”
“Many partners, including the Town of North Smithfield, have joined together to ensure new safe, healthy and affordable homes and preserve key green space,” said Richard Godfrey, Executive Director of Rhode Island Housing. “At a time when our state is facing an economic crisis, federal funds are being cut and unemployment remains high, the building of these new homes will provide immediate jobs; badly needed construction investment in our communities; and good homes for Rhode Islanders.”
The project costs an estimated $11 million and is expected to be complete in the spring of 2013. Early estimates show the project creating 89 new jobs in the construction field during the development phase.Even with a modest tenant income, once completed the project will have created an additional 16 local, full-time job based on spending projections for the new tenants.
“New England Construction couldn’t be more pleased to partner with NeighborWorks on such an impactful project” says New England Construction President and COO, John Pignataro. “We fully support their mission to bring affordable housing, job creation, training and apprentice programs to Rhode Island.”