SPRINGFIELD — As the coronavirus creates havoc, the $32 million renovation of the Indian Motocycle Apartments at Mason Square marches on, slated for completion this summer after many years of anticipation.
Gordon Pulsifer, president of First Resource Development Co., of Hanover, the developer, said Tuesday that he expects the 60-unit apartment project will be completed by July 1, providing there is no coronavirus-related delay.
“Everything is on schedule at the moment,” Pulsifer said in an email response. “Providing there are no delays or shut downs, the project will be complete by July 1 with tenant move in August 1.”
The renovation of the long-vacant Indian Motocycle building at 837 State St., and the adjacent former Mason Square fire station began more than a year ago. The contractor is NEI General Contracting of Randolph.
A groundbreaking ceremony occurred last July. Work had already begun including site preparation and demolition of commercial buildings on State Street across from the project.
The five-story main building, which once housed the Indian Motocycle company, producing motorcycles from 1901 to 1953, will be converted to 45 apartments.
The vacant fire station, located at the intersection of State Street and Wilbraham Road, known as Mason Square, is being converted to 15 apartments.
The project includes private and public financing including state and federal historic tax credits.
“We have not as yet experienced delays, but could, however in the coming weeks and months with regard to materials and/or supplies,” Pulsifer said. “The good news is however, the Fire House is complete and the Mill Building isn’t far behind.”
With COVID-19, the project has adopted some new guidelines for the workforce including the posting of signs and social distancing, Pulsifer said.
“As the news regarding coronavirus continues to evolve, our company and our general contractor, NEI have taken immediate and dynamic steps to keep our team, our workers, and our residents as safe as we can,” Pulsifer said. "We have established protocols to continue to maintain our high-quality work standards and are constantly updating and amending them to reflect the changing recommendations."
Gov. Charlie Baker, after declaring a state emergency in Massachusetts, ordered the closing of all non-essential businesses in the state on March 23, or to work from remote locations, to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Construction was among the listed exemptions.
The state order included an exemption for “workers performing housing construction related activities,” and “workers supporting the construction of housing.”
Pulsifer said that according to a state notice: “Construction Workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including housing construction)” are deemed essential.
“So, unless directed locally to cease operations, we will continue to work on the Mason Square project while paying very close attention to the health and safety of our workers,” Pulsifer said.
The renovations target the Indian Motocyle "B" property and former fire station. First Resource also owns the adjacent 139-unit Indian Motocycle "A" property that is occupied.