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Historic Saco Pettee Mill Restoration and New Luxury Residential Community Advance Northland’s Vision for a Sustainable, Mixed-use Neighborhood
NEWTON, MA – Erland Construction, in collaboration with CUBE 3, has begun work on two residential projects within Pattern District, Northland’s transformative 23-acre mixed-use redevelopment in Newton Upper Falls. Together, the projects will deliver 220 apartment homes through the historic restoration of the Saco Pettee Mill and the construction of a new mixed-use residential community designed to support Pattern District’s vision of a vibrant, sustainable, and walkable neighborhood.
The first project involves the adaptive reuse of the historic 173,000-square-foot Saco Pettee Mill, which will be transformed into 100 luxury apartment homes. Restoration efforts will be completed in accordance with National Park Service standards and include extensive masonry repointing, historic window replacement, and preservation of the building’s iconic brick-and-beam character. The redevelopment also includes significant infrastructure upgrades, including new MEP-FP systems, roof replacement, structural reinforcement, selective demolition and abatement, and a comprehensive interior fit-out. Upon completion, residents will enjoy a wellness suite, fitness center, lounge, and game room while experiencing a living environment that thoughtfully celebrates the site’s industrial heritage.
Erland is also constructing Building 4, a new 240,000-square-foot, 120-unit mixed-use residential community featuring future ground-floor retail space that opens directly onto the Village Green common area. Designed and constructed to achieve both Passive House and LEED certification standards, the building will incorporate a post-tensioned concrete structure supporting below-grade parking and on-grade retail, topped by a steel-framed residential structure. Sustainable design and construction strategies will be integrated throughout the project, including a high-performance building envelope, energy-efficient mechanical systems, stormwater management measures, and low-impact development practices to enhance long-term building performance and reduce environmental impact.
Upon completion, Pattern District will provide 822 rental homes, including 145 affordable units, along with retail destinations, open space, and community amenities. The development is poised to become one of the largest privately funded Passive House communities in the United States and a model for sustainable, community-centered living.
“Pattern District represents the type of project that excites our team—a development that combines historic preservation, sustainable design and construction, and long-term community impact,” said Ben McConchie, Corporate and Commercial Group Manager at Erland Construction. “We are proud to partner with Northland and CUBE 3 to help bring this vision to life and contribute to the continued transformation of Newton Upper Falls.”
“The Saco Pettee Mill is a remarkable building with a rich history and preserving its character while adapting it for modern residential use requires thoughtful planning and execution,” said Derek Wheeler, Senior Project Manager at Erland Construction. “We are honored to play a role in restoring this landmark and creating a unique living environment that celebrates its legacy while preparing it for generations to come.”
“Building 4 presents an exciting opportunity to deliver a highly sustainable residential community that reflects the future of multifamily development,” said Scott Reed, Senior Project Manager at Erland Construction. “From its Passive House and LEED certification goals to its high-performance building systems and connection to the broader Pattern District neighborhood, this project demonstrates what is possible when sustainability, quality, and community are prioritized from the start.”
“Pattern District redefines what a thoughtful, responsible development looks like in the 21st century,” said Lawrence R. Gottesdiener, Founder & Chairman of Northland. “We’re not just building housing—we’re creating a village that honors history, fosters connection, and sets a new standard for sustainable living, underpinned by walkability and green space. We are proud to partner with Erland Construction to bring this vision to life.”
“The Saco Pettee Mill and Building 4 embody two of the defining characteristics of Pattern District: honoring the site’s rich industrial heritage while embracing innovative, high-performance design and construction,” said Santo Dettore, Vice President of Development at Northland. “From the careful restoration of one of Newton’s most historic structures to the construction of a new Passive House and LEED-certified residential community, these projects will help create an exceptional living experience for future residents and a lasting asset for the community.”
Building 1 and Building 4 represent Erland’s second and third projects, respectively, with Northland and further strengthen a trusted partnership focused on delivering high-quality developments that create lasting value for residents, businesses, and the surrounding community.
About Erland Construction
For nearly five decades, Erland Construction has built a strong reputation as the Northeast’s leading open-shop construction management firm. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, Erland combines specialized expertise with a commitment to delivering exceptional results across diverse market sectors, including Residential, Senior Living, Hospitality, Academic, Corporate, Commercial, and Advanced Technology/Life Sciences. Whether focused on new construction or renovations, Erland’s collaborative approach and unwavering dedication to quality ensure each project is a success, fostering lasting relationships and creating value for every client. For more information, visit www.erland.com.