Developer Gears up to Make Positive Changes in Center

Procopio Companies, the developer of the 10 Somerset Ave project, is scheduled to start demolition and construction over the next few weeks. The abandoned brick building that was gutted several years ago, will be taken down gently, before the ground conditions are revised to support the new building, which will be home to 29 apartments with a first floor commercial store front and 25 parking spots.

The sidewalks around the building will be closed off during the demolition and a portion of the construction. Temporary crosswalks will be painted with ramps to allow everyone safe access around the building, and netting will be placed on all fencing to help control dust and debris from leaving the construction site.

“From everyone we met and spoke to, it seems that the neighbors are ready to get rid of this building and bring some new life to the area,” Project Manager, George Bertocchi said in a letter to the neighbors.

Bertocchi also confirmed that the building will be baited along the sewers in the area, to remove any concerns regarding the rodent situation.

According to Bertocchi, the city is pushing for the building to be torn down and cleaned up by March 15th. During that time, the utility contractor will be finishing work on the drains, water lines, sidewalks and street paving, which means that the construction and demolition team will need to work around him to ensure that both projects move forward simultaneously.

“Normally a project of this size takes us about a year to complete but as we all know, Winthrop has smaller roads and only a couple of ways in and out. We also have neighbors that are very close to the site, so things need to go a bit slower.”

Following the demolition of the existing building in February and March, ground improvement and the foundation is set for April and May. Steel framing will take place in June and July and wood framing will be conducted from July to October, followed by roofing, windows, and siding until January. If all goes according to plan, the grand opening will follow the interior finishes between January and April. Bertocchi made it clear that he will provide updates to inform neighbors if certain parts of the project may cause traffic or delays in the area.

“I think Center neighbors are looking forward to the removal of a blighted building and anticipate a positive architectural alternative under the new owner, Procopio Companies,” said Donna Segreti Reilly, resident of 30 Cottage Park Road. “From recent correspondence to all neighbors from Project Manager George Bertocchi of Procopio, it appears that the company will seek and respect abutter and neighbor concerns and input about density, parking, etc. Particularly, I petition for respect for laid out zoning laws and protection of neighboring homes as residences.” 

Owner of the Winthrop Book Depot, Suzanne Martucci, is looking forward to a project that will revitalize the neighborhood.

“We’ve seen plan after plan come through and nothing has come to fruition, so it’s exciting to finally see progress.”

The Book Depot is located at 11 Somerset Ave, on the opposite side of the street, where Martucci will have a front row seat to the building development.

“We are excited to be bringing this project to market in Winthrop and are confident that it will be a beautiful and lasting addition to Winthrop Center,” said Michael Procopio, Vice President, Development.