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| Construction cost: $4.1 Million Area: 133 units Completed: 1979 The 1840s Blackstone Falls mill complex was turned into 133 units of housing for the elderly. The mill was located on a difficult site: two of its buildings were on an island in the Blackstone River, connected by a series of bridges across a canal. Existing materials were reused wherever possible, and newly constructed buildings in the complex were sheathed in brick and stucco to maintain the mill’s historic appearance. The textures of the materials – brick, rubblestone and stucco – enhance one another and reflect the complex mix of building types. The prominent South Building Tower became the main entry, and a former boiler room in the North Building was transformed into a two‑story community room. The use of hydro power on the site dates back to 1853 when water wheels were installed to power the looms at the mill. Later, when electricity was needed, turbines and generators were added. The power plant was restored to supply electricity to Blackstone Falls and the local utility company |
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