Housing Project Unscathed by Winter

PAXTON, Mass. — A 200-bed residence hall at Anna Maria College is proceeding on schedule despite a harsh winter season in New England.
 
The 65,000-square-foot, $9 million project is designed by Cutler Design, a Worcestor, Mass.-based design and construction firm, under design-build delivery contract.
 
The company reports that their success in staying on schedule was due to the design-build team’s decision to use a pre-panelized, light-gauge steel structural system for the framework of the building. 
 
Construction began in November, and the facility is expect to open for its first residents 10 months later in this fall.
 
“With upfront cost savings that are typically lower than traditional steel framing, the system is ideal for multi-story residential projects, such as student housing,” says Rod Saffert, Cutler’s scholastic division market leader. “Construction schedules are generally shorter because the factory-made materials are quickly delivered to the site followed by a fast installation.” 
 
Shaffert said the pre-panelized, pre-insulated system was also attractive to the college for its energy-efficient building shell, noise reduction, lower long-term maintenance costs, and long-term durability.
 
The three-story complex will house second- and third-year students in suite-style accommodations, with each suite allowing for six students in single and double bedrooms. 
 
Common spaces and amenities allow for informal or formal space among students, including a large community room on the first floor.