Carpenters Center

Carpenters Center, IBEW honoring Labor Day

2011-08-27T13:00:00.003-04:00

Commuters passing the Carpenters Center this week will see a series of reminders about the real meaning behind the upcoming Labor Day holiday. The Carpenters Center media wall will feature images of working people from various industries and a message to celebrate Labor Day by "Honoring Workers" and depicting the people who are "Working for our future."

Starting on Monday, a series of images will rotate on the media wall, each featuring a different profession. Images will change each day throughout the week, with all of the images rotating on Labor Day. Matching images will run on the sign at IBEW Local 103, only a short distance south of the Carpenters Center along Route 93. The coordinated campaign was developed in conjunction with other unions and the Greater Boston Labor Council.

Images on the sign will also be posted on CarpentersCenter.com starting Monday.

Welcome to the Carpenters Center, Local 2168!

2011-08-22T11:32:00.001-04:00

Floorcoverers/Carpenters Local 2168 has moved its office space from Adams Street in Dorchester to the Carpenters Center.

The Floorcoverers’ new office is located on the third floor of the Carpenters Center, along with offices for the New England Regional Council of Carpenters, the New England Carpenters Labor Management Program, Shop and Millmen Local 51, Piledrivers Local 56 and Carpenters Local 723.

Please note, while the mailing address for Local 2168 has changed, their phone and fax numbers remain the same:

Floorcoverers/Carpenters Local 2168

750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3033

Boston, MA 02125

Phone: 617-825-6141

Fax: 617-282-5047

Carpenters Center wins Chapter Energy Project Award

2011-04-13T11:53:00.003-04:00

As reported in the New England Real Estate Journal

The Association of Energy Engineers New England selected the Carpenters Center, the new headquarters for the New England Regional Council of Carpenters (NERCC), as a recipient for their annual Chapter Energy Project Award. This award honors projects with energy-conscious design. The Carpenters Center was recognized for its outstanding use of energy and energy savings.

RDK Engineers joined forces with architect and design firm ADD Inc and provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, audio-visual, and commissioning services for the new center located between 1-93 and Dorchester Ave. With the creation of this new three-story building, fully equipped with a 30-foot LED sign that is used to promote the carpentry trade, motorists on the Southeast Expressway have a new landmark to appreciate on their commutes in and out of Boston. The facility was converted from an abandoned two-story commercial building to a three-story, 75,000 s/f center which will train 2,000 students per year. In addition to student classrooms, the renovated space also contains state-of-the-art offices, a conveniently located bank, and an eye-care center for union members. The center also includes energy-efficient lighting features such as incandescent lights with motion sensors and automatic shut-off.

"RDK Engineers has long been committed to sustainable and energy-efficient design practices," said RDK principal Pat Murphy. "The RDK project team truly enjoyed partnering with the New England Regional Council of Carpenters and ADD Inc on a center that was designed to suit the needs of everyone in the Carpenters' Union. We are proud to have been a part of this unique opportunity."

You also read this story on the NEREJ website.

Wentworth Institute of Technology & The Carpenters: A Joint Venture

2011-03-21T10:24:00.000-04:00

In the fall of 2008, the New England Regional Council of Carpenters along with Wentworth Institute of Technology's College of Professional and Continuing Education launched a tailored program, which enables union carpenters to earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Building Construction Management in as little as two years.

The first class of carpenters graduated from the program in August 2010. In the short time since the program began, it has already expanded to allow union carpenters to pursue a Bachelor's Degree from the prestigious school.

Members of the Carpenters Union can find the admissions checklist for the Associate Degree in Building Construction Management here. You can also view the program’s curriculum (PDF) by clicking here.

If you would like to speak to someone directly about the program, please contact Jacklyn Haas, Associate Director of Admissions, at haasj@wit.edu or 617-989-4258.

Welcome to the Vision Center!

2011-01-06T09:18:00.011-05:00

The Carpenter Vision Center is owned and operated by the New England Carpenters Health Benefits Fund. It offers complete eye examinations and the largest selection of frames available under the Plan. The Vision Center is located at the Carpenters Center, 750 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA and offers afternoon, evening and Saturday appointments.

Carpenters Union members, spouses, and children are eligible for routine eye exam and glasses (2 pairs of single vision-distance and near – or 1 pair of bifocals) once every two years. The facility offers over 200 Covered Frames for men, women, and children and over 80 Collectors Frames for men and women available for a $50.00 co-pay. A large selection of Safety Frames is also available.

While the facility is utilized mostly by members, spouses, and children of the Carpenters Union who have benefits through the New England Carpenters Benefits Funds, the facility is also a Davis Vision Provider. Any outside individual who has Davis Vision as their Vision Benefit is allowed to receive an eye exam and glasses through the Vision Center. The cost is billed through their Vision Insurance.

The Vision Center has three exam rooms and four doctors. There are two Optometrists who perform routine eye exams, one Ophthalmologist who comes in once a month to see patients with medical issues and one Contact Lens Doctor who is available on Wednesdays only.

The Vision Center is conveniently located off of Route 93 (get directions here) at the Carpenters Center, 750 Dorchester Ave. There is plenty of parking available; the facility is an 8-minute walk from the Andrews Square station.

Hours of Operation:
Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm (to book appointments only)
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday 8:30am - 3:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Call 617-782-0100 to make an appointment.

NERCC uses high efficiency equipment, receives rebate

2010-12-16T10:50:00.002-05:00

The New England Regional Council of Carpenters (NERCC) recently received a rebate check in the amount of $103,880 from NSTAR Electric. The rebate was part of NSTAR’s Construction Solutions Program, which provides incentives for purchasing and installing high-efficiency equipment for us in commercial and industrial operations.

Before breaking ground at the NERCC’s new headquarters, the Carpenters Center, various rebate and incentive programs were examined as a means to not only cut costs, but improve overall efficiency over the lifetime of the building. NSTAR’s Construction Solutions Program was the best fit in terms of the lighting line and dealt specifically with the purchase of light fixtures and switches throughout the building.

In order to qualify for the program, certain terms and conditions had to be met. The project had to be completed in one year, in this case by May 11, 2010; the application had to be submitted with all paid invoices for material costs and labor; and a post installation verification had to be completed, verifying that the equipment was installed and consistent with sound engineering practices. The application had to be received and approved by NSTAR before construction began.

The lighting at the Carpenters Center has individual controls every regularly occupied space. Private and shared offices have two-level occupancy sensors, individual workstations have flexible, integrally-switched task lights, and classroom/conference spaces have multiple levels of switch controls to allow for adjustment of lighting levels in accordance with the activity happening in the space. By selecting incandescent lights with motion sensors and automatic shut off, the Carpenters Union hoped to save over 30% off of total annual consumption.

As part of its building plan, the Carpenters Union utilized its own Commissioning Study as an extra review process in the design and purchase of various elements throughout the building, including the lighting. This separate layer of review assured the Carpenters Union that the organization is given some kind of refund or equivalent in its operation on a daily basis, that true savings would be realized over the lifetime of the building.

Substantial completion of the project happened in January 2010, well ahead of the May deadline as set by the rebate parameters. With the deadline met and the application otherwise complete, the final step was to pass the post installation verification, during which a throughout audit of the system took place, with every fixture examined throughout the building. After passing the inspection, the rebate check was issued to NERCC.

The lighting line for the Carpenters Center, installed by union contractor McDonald Electric, was $217,000. After passing the final inspection, the NERCC was issued a check in the amount of $103,880. At the time the check was issued, representatives from the Carpenters Union were told that the check was one of the largest to be issued by NSTAR under this program.

“We have training programs for our members to learn the fundamentals of Green Building and prepare for LEED AP certification, however it’s very difficult to preach about the virtues of these practices if we’re not doing it ourselves at home,” notes David Dow, NECMLP Special Projects and Facilities.

“Here at the Carpenters Center we now have a great example of how a building can be Green and efficient. The rewards and benefits of good planning and good design will be realized well beyond this onetime rebate payment and will be seen over the lifetime of the building.”

Labor Secretary visits Carpenters Center

2010-09-28T14:44:00.001-04:00

Joanne Goldstein, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development paid a visit to the Carpenters Center this week to learn more about apprenticeship and upgrade training.

Last month, the Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund was awarded a $166,000 grant to train and certify long-term unemployed carpenters in metal framing and drywall installation. The money originated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, often referred to as the "Stimulus Bill. It was part of $1.2 million that was dispersed by the state to support “efforts to equip Massachusetts workers with 21st century economy skills.”

Reception for Wentworth graduates held at Carpenters Center

2010-09-28T13:07:00.001-04:00

Reception for Wentworth graduates held at Carpenters Center

2010-09-09T11:05:00.003-04:00

The New England Regional Council of Carpenters held a post-graduation celebration to recognize the twenty-nine union carpenters who graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

The graduates and their families, along with representatives from NERCC and Wentworth, including Wentworth’s President Zorica Pantic gathered on the second floor of the Carpenters Center to celebrate the great achievement.

The twenty-nine carpenters were the first class to graduate since the NERCC launched this special program with Wentworth in the fall of 2008. The tailored program enables union carpenters to earn an Associate’s degree in Construction management from the prestigious school in as little as two years. The program gives members credit for completing a four-year apprenticeship in Massachusetts and could also give credit for other qualified classes members have taken.

NERCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Erlich spoke at the event about one of the goals of the program, which is to bring on-the-job field experience back in to construction management.

“What I think we have done with this program is combine the best of both worlds. The industry does need people who are educated, it’s no longer just enough to come out of the field and apply your experience of supervision, you have to have computer skills, budgeting skills, a whole range of skills. That, to me, is the ultimate goal of this program: to fuse the educational skills that Wentworth provides with the hands-on, real life, practical skills that you’ve learned in the field."

NERCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark
Erlich and Wentworth President Zorica Pantic.

Erlich then congratulated the graduates. “My hat goes off to those of you who went through this program. This is not an easy program. Wentworth is a tremendously excellent educational institution and it is very demanding. They didn’t tailor their programs for us, we had to meet their standards. I want to congratulate and applaud you. Thank you all for what you do, because you are the future of the Carpenters Union.”

Following Erlich’s remarks, Wentworth’s President, Zorica Pantic, said a few words. “It is wonderful to be here and to see that the efforts that were started a couple of years ago came to fruition. In working with the Carpenters Union, we were able to develop a very demanding program and it is a great match between the needs of the carpenters’ profession and the practical education that Wentworth provides. We are very pleased, [the program] surpassed all of our wildest dreams.”

Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Director Ben Tilton individually recognized each graduate handing them certificates, along with Erlich and Pantic, to recognize them for their great achievement. A small reception followed the speaking program.

NERCC, Carpenters Center featured in Dorchester Reporter

2010-09-03T16:12:00.003-04:00

The Carpenters Union is a traditional organization that has been around for over a hundred years. While it has a very rich history, it is also very modern and innovative. The design of the Carpenters Centers celebrates both the history and the future of the Carpenters Union.

Reporter Matthew DeLuca, with the Dorchester Reporter, recently visited the Carpenters Center to get a closer at what he calls “the changing nature of unionism.”

In the lobby on the third floor of the new Carpenters Center at 750 Dorchester Avenue are sleek black chairs and hardwood floors and the receptionist behind her desk hums along to the radio on this quiet August afternoon. Beside the long counter of the reception desk is a small metal sculpture of a carpenter wielding a hammer that make one think more of a dentist’s office or the Museum of Contemporary Art than Woody Guthrie and Eugene V. Debs.

This idea, that unionism has changed in recent years, is reiterated again and again through the new building, both in details of its structure and design and by the people who work there.

To read the article, click here. You can also read the article on the Dorchester Reporter's website here.

Outstanding Student Eamonn Murphy featured on Wentworth website

2010-08-23T09:35:00.003-04:00

Twenty-nine union carpenters graduated from the Arioch Center at Wentworth Institute of Technology with and Associate's Degree in Building Construction Management (read more here).

Graduate Eamonn Murphy, a twelve-year member of Local 33, was recognized as the Outstanding Associate Degree Student for the 2009-2010 academic year.

"I am extremely honored to be recognized as the Outstanding Student," said Murphy. "As I look back, however, I realize that my fellow students are all outstanding students. We encouraged each other and worked together collaboratively in accomplishing this goal."

Murphy first joined the Carpenters Union as an apprentice in 1998. When the opportunity arose to enroll in the Construction Management program at Wentworth, Murphy was enthusiastic about being able to continue his training and further advance his career.

"Obtaining a Construction Management degree from Wentworth was the logical choice in expanding my knowledge of the construction industry, and the program certainly provided that for me."

Murphy, along with many of his classmates that just received their Associate's Degree will be continuing on in to the Bachelor's Degree program.

Wentworth ran a student profile of Brother Murphy on their website.

Carpenters Graduate from Wentworth Institute of Technology

2010-08-20T11:58:00.005-04:00

The New England Regional Council of Carpenters (NERCC) is proud to recognize and congratulate the 29 union carpenters who graduate this Sunday with and Associate's Degree in Building Construction Management from the Arioch Center at Wentworth Institute of Technology.

This is the first class to graduate since the NERCC launched this special program with Wentworth in the fall of 2008. The tailored program enables union carpenters to earn an Associate’s degree in Construction management from the prestigious school in as little as two years. The program gives members credit for completing a four-year apprenticeship in Massachusetts and could also give credit for other qualified classes members have taken.

Members also receive reduced tuition rates and may be eligible for financial aid, as they are full-fledged students of Wentworth. In January 2011 the program will be expanded, giving members the opportunity to earn their Bachelor’s Degree.

The program includes classes that provide technical knowledge, such as physics, construction graphics, construction law, and economics as well as those that teach the critical skills needed in a more professional environment, such as writing composition; leadership and management; and introduction to computers. Classes are held both on campus at Wentworth and at the Carpenters Center (as seen below).

The program offers tremendous opportunity for members and will put some of the practical on-the-job experience back into construction management. This is a true testament to the dedication of the Carpenters Union to lifelong training, improving the lives of working carpenters and the entire industry.

Congratulations to the graduates!

Sean Abraham, Local 275
David Aldrich, Local 40
Jonathan Aprile, Local 33
Krzysztof Barcikowski, Local 67
Duane Bastarache, Local 107
Michael Biasella, Local 40
Brian Burrill, Local 218
Joseph Byrne, Local 33
Michael Cormier, Local 275
*Nicholas Cuzzupe, Local 33
Anthony Harrington, Local 107
Patrick Hartigan, Local 111
Kimberly Hokanson, Local 275
Thomas Holt, Local 107
Zachary Jonsson, Local 1305
Scott Knowlton, Local 218
David Kulikowski, Local 67
Aaron Lacombe, Local 1305
Daniel Lovendale, Local 424
William Lynch, Local 67
John McGillicuddy, Local 33
Steven Monteiro, Local 26
**Eamonn Murphy, Local 33
Colin Murphy, Local 33
Shakil Oba, Local 40
Kevin Reynolds, Local 33
Michael Ryan, Local 67
Nathan Silvaggio, Local 94
Andrew Wall, Local 107

*Alumni Award recipient – recognizing students who achieve the highest grade point average in the program. Brother Cuzzupe finished with a 4.0 GPA

**Arioch Center Outstanding Associate Degree Student Award winner for the 2009-2010 academic year

Mass invests in carpenter training

2010-08-19T13:40:00.005-04:00

The Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Program will receive a $166,000 award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of eight programs to receive money for workforce training, Governor Deval Patrick’s office announced today.

Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Joanne Goldstein and other state officials awarded a total of $1.2 million in Federal stimulus money to support “efforts to equip Massachusetts workers with 21st century economy skills.”

The money awarded to the Boston program, based at the Carpenters Center in Dorchester, will fund drywall training and certification for long-term unemployed carpenters.

McCarron visits the Carpenters Center

2010-08-04T14:22:00.003-04:00

UBC General President Douglas McCarron was in Boston today with General Secretary-Treasurer Andy Silins and ITC Director Bill Irwin to meet with AGC member contractors from throughout New England. McCarron and Operating Engineers General President Vincent Giblin have been regularly meeting with AGC members around the country to talk about the National Construction Alliance.

While he was here, we got a chance to ask the General President a few questions about the NCA, the UBC and the future of the construction industry.

Carpenters Center recognized as special part of Dorchester neighborhood

2010-07-29T12:32:00.003-04:00

Earl Taylor, special correspondant to the Dorchester Reporter, recognizes the Carpenters Center as an important landmark and part of the neighborhood's history.

When they hear that I’m from Dorchester, new acquaintances tell me they know they are in my neighborhood when they see the painted gas tank as they drive along the Southeast Expressway. This shallow impression of Dorchester feels nearly as much of an insult as the frequency of crime news in Dorchester even when the address identified is clearly in Roxbury or the South End. But when life gives me lemons, I know how to make lemonade. So let’s jump into the SUV and view Dorchester history from the landmarks along the Expressway.

Dorchester, with three exits going south on the Expressway and four going north, is the largest of Boston’s neighborhoods. Some state capitals have fewer exits. Of course, we have to decide what Dorchester includes. Statisticians refer to North Dorchester, South Dorchester, and Mattapan. All three of these were part of the town of Dorchester when it was annexed to Boston on January, 1, 1870. The same territory is divided into five zip codes -- 02121, 02122, 02124, 02125, and 02126, and its 127,000 residents who live in 23,000 buildings are represented by many city councilors and numerous state representatives. The area is very diverse in all categories of age, gender, and ethnic origin. If Dorchester were a separate city it would be New England’s sixth most populous exceeding even New Haven in Connecticut. Portland, Maine, comes in at about only 64,000 residents, Concord, New Hampshire at about only 40,700.

Traveling south through Boston, coming out of the tunnel we first begin to rise to the crest of the highway. Looking off to the left after the huge parking garage we can see a white tower on top of a hill called Dorchester Heights, reminding us that South Boston was part of Dorchester until the major piece of it broke off in 1804 and Washington Village followed in 1854. The monument commemorates the fortification of Dorchester Heights when the Neck (South Boston) was still part of Dorchester. The action scared the Brits so much they decided to scurry off to Nova Scotia, leaving us to celebrate Evacuation Day (St. Patrick’s Day).

When the highway begins to descend back to ground level, we notice the low flat area that was once Boston’s South Bay, a tidal inlet that has disappeared under the T bus garages and the South Bay Shopping Center on the west. Dorchester, on the southern border of the old South Bay, once had a coastline/waterfront stretching from Mill Brook Creek, separating Roxbury and Dorchester at the southern end of the South Bay, around Dorchester Neck (South Boston), the Calf Pasture (Columbia Point), Savin Hill, Commercial Point and Port Norfolk where the Neponset separated Dorchester from its southern neighbors Quincy and Milton, the latter of which was once part of Dorchester. In its early years Dorchester had a number of water-powered mills, both river mills and tide mills. To operate a tide mill, the miller created a dam with gates in an inlet. When the tide came in, the gates would swing inward to allow the flow to fill the pond. When the tide turned, the force of the water would close the gates, and the miller could use the water in the pond to power his mill.

The new building of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters sitting on the west side of the highway is a reminder that Dorchester is home to many labor union locals and other employee organizations.

Read the rest of the article by clicking here.

As Seen on the LED

2010-07-08T10:25:00.001-04:00

Common Boston Photo Project Winners:

As Seen on the LED

2010-07-05T10:24:00.001-04:00

Common Boston Photo Project Winners:

As Seen on the LED

2010-07-02T10:22:00.001-04:00

Common Boston Photo Project Winners:

As Seen on the LED

2010-06-21T10:20:00.001-04:00

Common Boston Photo Project Winners:

As Seen on the LED

2010-06-17T10:18:00.003-04:00

Common Boston Photo Project Winners:

Common Boston and the Carpenters Center team up for photo contest

2010-06-14T13:41:00.006-04:00

Common Boston, a volunteer committee of the Boston Society of Architects that organizes Boston’s only free, public festival that opens up city to celebrate architecture and design in our neighborhoods, has teamed up with the Carpenters Center in a photography contest, with winners' work to be displayed on the LED screen.

Each year, Common Boston features events around a number of “common points” which are areas of activity, typically focused within one of Boston’s many neighborhoods. Programs are centered around neighborhoods to enable the general public to explore good design that has benefited their communities, while also allowing designers to connect with specific communities regarding their ideas for future projects. They organize active programming with the goal of upholding our mission to inspire people who live and work in the Boston area to collectively and effectively shape a sustainable, equitable, and beautiful built environment.

Common Boston Week 2010 will open up the city for its fourth annual event this June 17-27, 2010. The week will feature a rich program of more than forty open buildings, neighborhood tours, exhibits, and events concentrated in six “common points” around the city. This year’s featured neighborhoods are Chinatown, East Boston, Fort Point Channel, Jamaica Plain, Lower Roxbury, and Uphams Corner.

As part of this year's events, Common Boston has teamed up with the Carpenters Center on a photography contest to "showcase the often invisible process behind the building of our physical landscape."

From the Common Boston Photo Project website:

Common Boston invite submissions of photos that tell the story of how places and physical communities are built. We are specifically looking for construction photos –those that suggest how we connect with buildings on a visceral level through their making. The best photos will ideally demonstrate how the making and construction of buildings strengthens community within their neighborhoods.

Photos must be from somewhere with an address in Boston and preferably from the neighborhoods that we will be featuring during Common Boston Week 2010-Chinatown, East Boston, Fort Point Channel, Jamaica Plain, Lower Roxbury, and Uphams Corner.

Look for contest winner’s submissions on the Carpenters Center LED screen and on this website later this week. You can also see web gallery submissions by visiting http://www.cpphotoproject.org/ .

Governor Patrick's visit to the Carpenters Center

2010-06-08T08:09:00.005-04:00

Following is video taken during Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's visit to the Carpenters Center where he held a monthly meeting of his cabinet.

Governor holds cabinet meeting, tours Carpenters Center

2010-06-04T12:34:00.003-04:00

Earlier today, Governor Deval Patrick held a cabinet meeting at the Carpenters Center. Following the meeting, the Governor, along with various cabinet members, toured the facility.

The group made a stop at the Boston Training Center on the first floor to get a first hand look at training happening at the facility, specifically the Best Practices in Health Care Construction training course. He spoke with instructors and carpenters currently taking the class.

Below are pictures from the Governor’s visit.

Flag raising at the Carpenters Center

2010-05-28T09:24:00.004-04:00

Eleven members of the UBC who are also military veterans gathered at the Carpenters Center this morning to raise a new flag and remember those who have given their lives to serve our country. The flag was flown over the US Capitol and was raised in observance of this weekend's Memorial Day holiday.

Joining NERCC Executive-Secretary Treasurer Mark Erlich were: Shayne Cossette (LU 67), Martin Higgins(LU 67), Steve Tewksbury (LU 67), Justin Blackman (LU 40), Stephen Smith (LU 67), Corey Rinalda (LU 33)Dave Robicheau (LU 40), William Murray (LU 33), Patrick Cummings LU 67), Doug Wilkins (LU 33), and Patrick McBrine (LU 33).

Erlich presented the flag to Cossette and Higgings, who attached the flag and raised it in front of the building.

Training

2010-05-20T10:03:00.000-04:00

Approximately 4,500 members in our training facilities each year are experienced carpenters upgrading or expanding their skill sets.

Training First and Foremost

2010-05-17T08:57:00.002-04:00

With 22,000 well-trained men and women across New England, we guarantee a deep pool of qualified workers for every type of project. Our apprenticeship proram continues to generate the workforce of the future. More than 6,000 carpenters are taught each year by nearly 100 expert instructors at our training facilities throughout New England. Those apprentices graduate prepared for a career, not just a job.

Carpenters Center celebrated by BISNOW

2010-05-05T13:27:00.000-04:00

The Boston edition of BISNOW--an online publication serving the real estate and design industry--has featured the Carpenters Center in a recent edition. (free registration required)

The building is described as being "impressive," "vibrant" and "well worth the wait." It praises the juxtaposition of "traditional and subtle with muted colors and glazed cubes meeting the street where small residences and stores predominate" and "its sweeping roof line, emphatic colors, and giant LED screen projecting messages to SE Xway drivers" all of which "speaks to their determination to be part of the future."

Connecticut contract ratified by members

2010-05-03T11:27:00.003-04:00

Members of the three carpentry Local Unions in Connecticut voted to ratify the proposed collective bargaining agreement in meetings held Friday night. More than 90% of voting members voted to approve the agreement and suggested allocations.

New hourly rates went into effect May 2. For information about new rates, contact the Contractor Relations Department at the New England Regional Council of Carpenters or one of the Local Unions in Connecticut.

The one-year agreement provides a $1.50 increase in the total wage and benefit package. Eighty cents will be added immediately with the remaining $0.70 being added in November.

Further allocation is as follows: contributions to the pension fund are being increased by $0.75 per hour in May and $0.25 in November. Also in May, $0.03 per hour is being added to wages and $0.02 per hour will be added to contributions to the UBC Training Fund. In November, $0.45 is being added to hourly contributions to the health fund.

As seen on the LED - Workers Memorial Day Rally

2010-05-03T08:56:00.003-04:00

On April 28th, 2010, families and friends of those who have died or been injured on the job, gathered in front of the State House on Beacon Hill in Boston, MA to commemorate those who have died and to rally for legislation demanding safer work conditions.

As seen on the LED

2010-04-26T08:21:00.001-04:00

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 3- Energy and Atmosphere
8 Points Attained

1. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard by 10.5%
2. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 14%
3. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 17.5%
4. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 21%
5. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 24.5%
6. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 28%
7. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 31.5%

The Carpenters Center was modeled in order to predict how much the design of the building would save money in energy use per year. Comparing it to a typical building using the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Energy Standard, the project uses 31.5% less energy then a typical building

8. Enhanced Refrigerant Management - all HVAC units for this project are specified to use R-410a refrigerant, and therefore do not use either Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFC) refrigerants.

For more information, click on the links in the right column under the heading "Carpenters Going Green"

As Seen on the LED Display

2010-04-21T14:17:00.002-04:00

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 1- Sustainable Sites
8 Points Attained

1. Site Selection - the site was formerly developed and consists entirely of an existing building and paving.

2. Development Density and Community Connectivity - a dense urban site. Within a .5 mile radius of the building’s main entrance there are at least 2 zones that can be designated as residential zones and many basic services within pedestrian access. Basic services include retail, grocery, banks, restaurants, places of worship, schools and a fire station.

3. Public Transportation Access - located .4 miles from Andrews Station and .3 miles from JFK/UMass. MBTA bus stop in front of building.

4. Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms -providing covered and secured bicycle storage for a minimum of 5% of the peak building users. The bike racks are located in bike storage room on Level 1 of the garage. One showering facility is required for the 167 occupents - located on level 2 of building.

5. Low-Emission & Fuel Efficient Vehicles - providing preferred parking spaces for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles for 5% of the total parking capacity. Spaces will be signed for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles and will be close to main entrance.

6. Stormwater Design – the project will capture and treat 90% of the average annual rainfall and remove 80% of total suspended solids. There are five 8’ diameter drywells surrounded in crushed stone that will act as a retention system with capacity for infiltration.

7. Heat Island Effect – Non-Roof - 50% of the site hardscape (roads, sidewalks, courtyards and parking lots) have a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of at least 29. 63.9% of the project’s hardscape meets that minimum by using a light grey concrete (parking garage deck).

8. Heat Island Effect – Roof - A white high albedo roof for the entire surface – Carlisle SynTec’s Sure-weld TPO white membrane roofing. The roof has a Solar Reflectance Index of 110, which exceeds minimum requirement of SRI 78.

For more information, click on the links in the right column under the heading "Carpenters Going Green"

As Seen on the LED Display

2010-04-07T08:45:00.005-04:00

Carpenters Going Green - Category 5 - Indoor Enviornmental Quality

Prerequisite - Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control – the entire building has been designated as non-smoking. Any exterior smoking must be 25 feet away from entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows.

1. Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring – the building is designed with a permanent CO2 monitoring system in all higher occupancy spaces

2. Increased Ventilation - designed to comply by allowing the mechanical system to provide breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates and at least 30% above the minimum rates

3. Construction IAQ Management Plan – During Construction Suffolk Construction is committed to implementing a construction IAQ management plan in accordance with LEED requirements

4. Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants (VOC limits) Specified adhesives and sealants that comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule #1168 and Green Seal Standard

5. Low-Emitting Materials – Paints and Coatings (VOC limits) Project uses paints and coatings inside the building envelope that complies with the Green Seal Standard GS-11 for paints and primers Standard GS-03 for anti-corrosive paints and the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1113 for finishes, stains, and sealer

6. Low-Emitting Materials – Carpet Systems (CRI Green label program and VOC limits). The project uses carpets and carpet cushions that meet the testing and product requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus Program. All of the carpet’s adhesives will meet VOC limits.

7. Low-Emitting Materials – Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products - Will not use composite wood and agrifiber products that contain urea-formaldehyde resins inside the building’s envelope.

8. Lighting – individual controls for 90% of occupants. There are lighting controls for every regularly occupied space. Private and shared offices have two-level occupancy sensors, individual workstations have flexible, integrally-switched task lights, and classroom/conference spaces have multiple levels of switch controls to allow for adjustment of lighting levels in accordance with the activity.

9. Thermal Comfort Design - targets to maintain 75 degrees and 50% relative humidity in the summer and 72 degrees in the winter.

For more information, click on the links in the right column under the heading "Carpenters Going Green"

This week at the Carpenters Center

2010-03-30T13:55:00.002-04:00

This week at the Carpenters Center, members are participating in a training class to help them contain pathogens, protect patients and perform work within active health care facilities without disrupting operations. "Best Practices in Health-Care Construction in Occupied Facilities" is a program developed by the UBC in conjunction with noted infection experts to develop carpenter skills and awareness that benefit both contractors and the facilities in which they work.

You can learn more about the program's development here. An introductory video about the program can be viewed here.

The first session for carpenters was held about a year ago in Connecticut. Since then, training sessions have been held for apprentices and journey level carpenters in different areas of New England.

Look for the program to expand and gain acceptance among safety-minded facilities who are looking to reduce risk to their patients.

Pictured: Carpenters work on creating safe work environments in active health care facilities, for example, creating a properly contained space to replace a soiled ceiling tile.

Images from grand opening

2010-03-26T09:42:00.002-04:00

On March 16, 2010, the new Carpenters Center hosted its ribbon cutting ceremony. Nearly 400 guests were in attendance. Mark Erlich, NERCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer, opened up the event by welcoming guests to the Carpenters Center. Speakers Andy Silins, UBC General Secretary-Treasurer, Mayor Thomas Menino, and Governor Deval Patrick, congratulated the carpenters on their new home and training facility.

Carpenters Center grand opening

2010-03-25T14:50:00.003-04:00

Carpenters Center: From start to finish

2010-03-17T07:32:00.006-04:00

Carpenters Go Green

2010-03-12T14:21:00.001-05:00

Carpenters Union opens new headquarters in Dorchester

2010-03-05T09:25:00.003-05:00

As reported by Jon Chesto in today's Patriot Ledger:

BOSTON — New England union opens a new headquarters in Dorchester

Motorists on the Southeast Expressway are passing a new landmark on their commutes in and out of Boston: the new three-story headquarters for the New England Regional Council of Carpenters.

The 75,000-square-foot building’s exterior has essentially two faces: a modern wall along the highway and a more traditional cedar-paneled facade that can be seen from the neighborhood. Union spokesman Bert Durand said the mix was intentional, partly as a courtesy to the union’s residential neighbors and partly as a reflection of the union membership’s varied range of skills.

The most distinct feature is a 30-foot tall digital sign that can be seen from the expressway. The sign’s LED lights can quickly be reprogrammed to show a new image. The union is using the sign to promote the carpentry trade, as well as providing public service announcements and supporting favored political candidates.

The carpenters council relocated last month from its old headquarters on Summer Street in South Boston. The new building allowed the union to move its training facility from Brighton, as well as other operations, under one roof within the past few weeks.

The carpenters union had been looking for a new location for at least a decade, union officials said. Durand said the union also considered locations in South Boston’s marine industrial park and on Morrissey Boulevard.

The current site at 750 Dorchester Ave. was picked for several reasons, including the ample parking, visibility and easy highway access. The property is also convenient to the Red Line, as it sits between the Andrew Square and JFK/UMass stops.

The union bought the property in 2008 from an owner of Dirigo Spice for more than $5 million, although the site had fallen into disuse. The structure was originally built in the 1940s as a laundry for the Archdiocese of Boston. The old building was gutted and its second story was removed, and the carpenters used the first floor as a foundation to build a new second level and a third level.

Mark Erlich, the council’s executive secretary-treasurer, said the union spent about $19 million on construction. More than 900 union members participated in the construction project in some way, as subcontractors, apprentices or volunteers, Erlich said. “We want our members to feel like it’s their building,” he said.

To view the article online, including pictures, click here.

A Look Inside - The History Wall

2010-03-03T13:57:00.003-05:00

There are various touches throughout the facility that not only highlight carpenters work but add character to the building. One such feature is the History Wall located on the second floor.

Fourteen sepia-toned photographic images, mounted on ¾” Plexiglas, hang on the walls starting at the second floor lobby and running down the hall in to the open area at the communicating stair that connects the first and second floors.

Twelve of the images are mounted on 3’x6’ panels and two images, which mark the beginning of the History Wall in the lobby, stretch across six 3’x6’ panels.

A memorial to the trade and its workers, the images date back to 1881 and run through present day, including three shots taken during the construction of the Carpenters Center.

The History Wall celebrates the membership of the Carpenters Union and the evolution of the craft through the years.

Then and now

2010-02-17T14:26:00.003-05:00

January 2009

February 2010

January 2009

February 2010

January 2009

February 2010

Business Solutions Center to open next week

2010-02-09T08:58:00.001-05:00

First Trade Union Bank will open a Business Solutions Center on the second floor of the Carpenters Center. The new banking center will officially open its doors for business on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010. The bank will be open five days a week, Monday-Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM ET on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will be open from 9:30 to 5:30 PM ET on Thursdays.

The banking center is designed to provide a wide range of financial services. Union officials and contractors are invited to stop by to discuss business banking needs, from checking accounts and cash management to the full portfolio of lending products, which includes SBA programs. From checking and savings accounts to mortgages and Online Banking, First Trade can also meet all of your personal banking needs. The Bank provides customized products and programs for union members so make sure to stop by to learn more.

A full-service ATM will be located next to the Bank and a computer kiosk inside will allow First Trade customers to do their banking online at ftub.com during business hours.

The banking center will be staffed with a full-time, experienced banking professional to assist with all business and personal banking needs. Other banking professionals will be available by appointment.

Carpenters Center Occupant Addresses

2010-02-04T10:50:00.003-05:00

New England Regional Council of Carpenters
750 Dorchester Ave., Unit 1
Boston, MA 02125-1132

New England Carpenters Labor Management Program
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3100
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Pile Drivers Local 56
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3200
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Mill/Cabinet Local 51
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3300
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Wood Frame Local 723
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3400
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Floorcoverers JATC
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3500
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Center
750 Dorchester Ave., Unit 2
Boston, MA 02125-1132

First Trade Union Bank
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 2100
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Vision Center
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 2200
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Office staff moved in to third floor

2010-02-03T10:13:00.001-05:00

Last week furniture was delivered and assembled on the third floor of the building. NERCC staff moved from the previously leased space in South Boston in to the third floor over this past weekend. Additionally, staff from Piledrivers Local 56, Shop and Millmen Local 51, and Woodframe Local 723 have also moved their offices to the third floor.

Third room conference room.
Notice the view through the transparent LED sign.

Furniture assembly and move-in for office staff of the Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund on the second floor will begin next week.

Second floor pavilion/lobby area.

Move-in begins

2010-01-27T14:46:00.003-05:00

Carpenters with Interstate Office Partitions are finalizing work on the third floor assembling office furniture. At the same time, staff from the New England Regional Council of Carpenters has started to move in to their office space on the floor. The move is scheduled to be complete by the end of this weekend.

There are some final punch list items to be completed by subcontractors throughout the building, all items are scheduled to be complete by the end of next week. A few items that will be finished this spring include landscaping, fencing and exterior painting at the terrace (including handrails).

The FFE (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) work on the second and first floors will be coordinated by the Boston JATC and are scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks.

First and third floors complete

2010-01-15T11:36:00.006-05:00

Volunteer members from Local 2168 have been installing wood flooring on the second floor.

Before floor installation began, crews working for Allegheny Contract Flooring completed preparatory work on the existing concrete floor (see past post and video).

Floorlayers working for Pavilion Floors have completed installation of carpet in the office spaces, vinyl flooring in storage rooms, and cork flooring in break rooms. Walnut wood flooring is currently being installed by Local 2168 volunteers in the main lobby, corridors and the communicating stair connecting the second floor to the first floor.

Final touch-up painting is scheduled for completion on the first floor later today. While that is going on, crews with Pavilion Floor are completing the vinyl base board work.

With the first floor painting complete, the crew will move up to the second floor to complete the final coat and touch up work. As on the first floor, Pavilion Floor will then install the vinyl baseboard. Baseboard is a functional feature that covers the joint between the wall surface (drywall) and the floor.

In areas where there is wood flooring, wood baseboard will be installed by carpenters working for Archer Corporation. The wood baseboard was manufactured by carpenters at the Millwork One factory located in Rhode Island.

By the end of the work day today, the first and third floors will be complete. The second floor is expected to be complete by the end of next week.

Certificate of Occupancy (temporary) Issued

2010-01-14T14:28:00.004-05:00

As of Thursday, January 14, 2010 the City of Boston’s Inspectional Services issued a Certificate of Occupancy (temporary).

The certificate is temporary because there is additional work, which does not affect life-safety issues, to be performed in the building.

This clears the way for furniture, files, and all other items to be moved into the building.

A final certificate will be issued when all work is complete.

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 5- Indoor Environmental Quality

2010-01-12T11:16:00.001-05:00

9 points Attained

Prerequisite - Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control – the entire building has been designated as non-smoking. Any exterior smoking must be 25 feet away from entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows.

1. Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring – the building is designed with a permanent CO2 monitoring system in all higher occupancy spaces

2. Increased Ventilation - designed to comply by allowing the mechanical system to provide breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates and at least 30% above the minimum rates

3. Construction IAQ Management Plan – During Construction Suffolk Construction is committed to implementing a construction IAQ management plan in accordance with LEED requirements

4. Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants (VOC limits) Specified adhesives and sealants that comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule #1168 and Green Seal Standard

5. Low-Emitting Materials – Paints and Coatings (VOC limits) Project uses paints and coatings inside the building envelope that complies with the Green Seal Standard GS-11 for paints and primers Standard GS-03 for anti-corrosive paints and the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1113 for finishes, stains, and sealer

6. Low-Emitting Materials – Carpet Systems (CRI Green label program and VOC limits). The project uses carpets and carpet cushions that meet the testing and product requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus Program. All of the carpet’s adhesives will meet VOC limits.

7. Low-Emitting Materials – Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products - Will not use composite wood and agrifiber products that contain urea-formaldehyde resins inside the building’s envelope.

8. Lighting – individual controls for 90% of occupants. There are lighting controls for every regularly occupied space. Private and shared offices have two-level occupancy sensors, individual workstations have flexible, integrally-switched task lights, and classroom/conference spaces have multiple levels of switch controls to allow for adjustment of lighting levels in accordance with the activity.

9. Thermal Comfort Design - targets to maintain 75 degrees and 50% relative humidity in the summer and 72 degrees in the winter.

Project Update: first and second floor work continues

2010-01-11T13:05:00.006-05:00

A few projects have been completed in the pavilion entrance of the building including the installation of the reception desk, painting, and flooring. The flooring in this area includes stone tile on the main floor and wood on the the stair treads connecting the entrance to the second floor.

The wood chosen for the Pavilion stairway is called Ipe. Ipe, pronounced "ee-pee," is also known as "Brazilian Hardwood" and is one of the hardest woods known to man. It is a deep dark brown colored wood with exceptionally fine graining. It is one of the densest woods available and is fire resistant. The exterior stairs are also being laminated with Ipe.

Fourteen welding booths have been received and installed in the welding area. This is located on the Northeast portion of the building and the large glass windows makes this training area visible to those traveling on the Expressway.

Meanwhile, interior signage has been hung throughout the building. These include office numbers, room names (i.e. electrical closet, pump room), non-electric life and safety signs (exit signs), floorplan signs, and fire alarm pull switches.

Finished lighting fixtures, which are complete on the third floor, are being installed on the second floor.

Elevator inspections were held last week. Each elevator (passenger, freight, and wheel chair lift) passed inspection. Fire alarm inspections are scheduled to happen this week. Boston Inspectional Services will conduct initial inspections and provide a temporary certificate of occupancy, which will give clearance for furniture to be moved in to the space. The Final inspection is slated for January 28th.

Then and now

2010-01-08T14:02:00.003-05:00

December 2008

January 2010

Third Floor nearly complete

2010-01-05T14:50:00.005-05:00

Work is nearly complete on the third floor of the Carpenters Center. The flooring has been installed, which includes carpet in the offices and hallways, hardwood in the lobby, linoleum in the storage closets and cork in break room.

Architects from ADD, Inc. completed a walk around of the third floor last week and created the punch list for the floor. During a punch list walk around the architects look for things such as nicks in walls, scratches in the paint, light bulbs that need replacement, defects in products, caulking and seal of windows, and door lock function. A list is created of every item that needs to be addressed and yellow sticky notes are attached to the area to specify location.

Yellow sticky notes mark punch list items.

The various trades will respond to the punch list and make the necessary repairs and finish work.

Once the punch list is complete the final cleaning for the floor will begin. After the cleaning, each room will be locked shut until the furniture is moved in, which will happen in late January.

While crews work on punch list items, carpenters working for Pappas Co. began installing venetian blinds throughout the floor.

A little over a year ago....

2010-01-05T12:42:00.002-05:00

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 4- Materials and Resources

2010-01-04T11:02:00.001-05:00

Prerequisite 1, Storage and Collection of Recyclables: The Carpenters Center will have recycling areas that serve the entire building for paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals. Storage rooms for the recyclable materials are provided on levels 1,2, and 3.

3 Points Attained

1. Construction Waste Management – divert 50% from disposal
2. Construction Waste Management – divert 75% from disposal - Suffolk Construction implemented a Construction Waste Management Plan as a means to ensure that a minimal amount of waste debris is disposed of in a landfill, and that all LEED requirements are met.

3. Recycled Content – 10% by cost (post-consumer + ½ pre-consumer) - A minimum of 10% of the total materials cost needs to be the recycled content value of the project.

Post-consumer and post-industrial recycled content is in the building’s materials and products. Some materials and products that contain recycled content include structural steel, carpet, flooring, and acoustical ceiling tile.

This box of carpet squares reads:
"High Recycled Content. 100% Recyclable."

98%!

2010-01-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

As of January 4th, construction of the Carpenters Center is 98% complete!

Carpenters Center catches Globe's eye

2009-12-31T14:09:00.004-05:00

The Boston Globe and Boston.com today featured a story about the Carpenters Center being built by the New England Regional Council of Carpenters.

Motorists stuck on the Southeast Expressway soon will have something besides radios and cellphones to grab their attention: trainees learning carpentry at the new Carpenters Center in Dorchester.

The striking $19 million, 75,000-square-foot home of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters is being readied for a Feb. 1 opening on the edge of the expressway. At drivers’ eye level, and less than 30 feet from the southbound travel lane, will be oversize windows that look in on the training center for area carpenters.

The entire story can be read here

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 3- Energy and Atmosphere

2009-12-28T10:28:00.001-05:00

8 Points

1. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard by 10.5%
2. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 14%
3. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 17.5%
4. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 21%
5. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 24.5%
6. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 28%
7. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 31.5%

The Carpenters Center was modeled in order to predict how much the design of the building would save money in energy use per year. Comparing it to a typical building using the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Energy Standard, the project uses 31.5% less energy then a typical building

8. Enhanced Refrigerant Management - all HVAC units for this project are specified to use R-410a refrigerant, and therefore do not use either Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFC) refrigerants.

Then and now

2009-12-23T13:37:00.003-05:00

February 2009

December 2009

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 2- Water Efficiency

2009-12-21T11:05:00.003-05:00

3 Points Attained

1.Water Efficient Landscaping – The project is required to reduce water consumption by 50%. The planting plan at the Carpenters Center involves using native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers that have low water needs. The plan reduces potable water consumption by 73.5%.

2.Water Use Reduction – 20% Reduction from baseline water use

3.Water Use Reduction – 30% Reduction from baseline water use. The Carpenters Center has low-flow toilets, low-flow urinals, and low-flow faucets with sensors throughout the building.

A similar building with an occupancy of 200 persons using conventional fixtures and water closets uses 478,400 gallons of potable water per year. This project will only use 294,320 gallons per year – a 38% savings per year.

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 1- Sustainable Sites

2009-12-16T08:44:00.006-05:00

8 Points Attained

1. Site Selection - the site was formerly developed and consists entirely of an existing building and paving.

2. Development Density and Community Connectivity - a dense urban site. Within a .5 mile radius of the building’s main entrance there are at least 2 zones that can be designated as residential zones and many basic services within pedestrian access. Basic services include retail, grocery, banks, restaurants, places of worship, schools and a fire station.

3. Public Transportation Access - located .4 miles from Andrews Station and .3 miles from JFK/UMass. MBTA bus stop in front of building.

4. Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms -providing covered and secured bicycle storage for a minimum of 5% of the peak building users. The bike racks are located in bike storage room on Level 1 of the garage. One showering facility is required for the 167 occupents - located on level 2 of building.

5. Low-Emission & Fuel Efficient Vehicles - providing preferred parking spaces for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles for 5% of the total parking capacity. Spaces will be signed for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles and will be close to main entrance.

6. Stormwater Design – the project will capture and treat 90% of the average annual rainfall and remove 80% of total suspended solids. There are five 8’ diameter drywells surrounded in crushed stone that will act as a retention system with capacity for infiltration.

7. Heat Island Effect – Non-Roof - 50% of the site hardscape (roads, sidewalks, courtyards and parking lots) have a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of at least 29. 63.9% of the project’s hardscape meets that minimum by using a light grey concrete (parking garage deck).

8. Heat Island Effect – Roof - A white high albedo roof for the entire surface – Carlisle SynTec’s Sure-weld TPO white membrane roofing. The roof has a Solar Reflectance Index of 110, which exceeds minimum requirement of SRI 78.

Carpenters Center Going Green

2009-12-11T10:37:00.007-05:00

The green building movement arose out of the desire for more energy efficient and environmentally friendly building practices. It is a way to minimize both resource consumption and the impact building has on the environment. Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and demolition.

Green design and building practices significantly reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts and create sustainable buildings. The most common standard for building green is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The LEED Green Building Rating System, developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), is a nationally accepted standard for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. According to the USGBC website there are 35,000 projects currently participating in the LEED system, comprising over 4.5 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries.

LEED for New Construction is a rating system where building projects earn points for satisfying criteria designed to address specific environmental impacts inherent in the design, construction, operations and management of a building.

These points are grouped into six environmental categories:
1. Sustainable Sites, 14 point maximum
2. Water Efficiency, 5 point maximum
3. Energy and Atmosphere, 17 point maximum
4. Materials and Resources, 13 point maximum
5. Indoor Environmental Quality, 15 point maximum
6. Innovation & Design Process, 5 point maximum.

Points are achieved by meeting or exceeding specified requirements in each category. LEED for New Construction ratings are then awarded according to the following scale: Certified, 26-32 points; Silver, 33-38 points; Gold, 39-51 points; Platinum, 52-69 points.

Upon completion, the Carpenters Center will be on target to qualify for LEED Certified status, aiming to receive all 32 of the 26-32 points required.

In the coming weeks, the point breakdown for the certification of the Carpenters Center will be outlined in this blog.

Exterior Systems 90% complete

2009-12-10T09:17:00.003-05:00

The process of installing exterior panels is 90% complete. The final sections, which will be completed in the coming weeks, include the Alucobond paneling located at the loading dock and a section of panels at the northern most part of the building.

Crews have finished installing the cedar accents on the exterior of the building. They are now installing cedar in the main lobby pavilion. These accents will be found in the area adjacent to the main stairs and on the terrace, adjacent to the pavilion.

Facts about the cedar being installed at the Carpenters Center (as previously posted)

The western red cedar has a custom tongue and groove shape, giving it a unique appearance and stronger interlocking connection than typical tongue and groove products.
The cedar is from 100 year old trees and has roughly 15 rings per inch, making it a long-lasting product with an expected lifetime of 50 years.
The cedar sealant is a water-soluble silicone based water-proofer that is less harsh on the environment than oil based products and emits no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Crews are busy completing work on third floor

2009-12-04T10:38:00.001-05:00

Painting, with the exception of the final coat and touch ups, which will both happen after the flooring is installed, is complete on the third floor. Ceiling installation is also complete on the third floor, the lights have also been installed.

The third floor bathrooms are nearly complete. Floorlayers working for SMR Flooring have completed the installation of slate tile on the floors and ceramic tile on the wet walls. Plumbers with E.M. Duggan have installed the toilets.

All of the case work and cabinetry on third floor is complete. This installation, along with the wood paneling was done by carpenters working for Archer Corp. Both the case work/cabinetry and the wood paneling were manufactured by Millwork One in Providence, RI. The paneling was installed in the hallway off the reception area, inside the large conference room and break room and along the hallway near the conference room at the southeast corner of the building.

All interior glass has been measured and will be installed in the coming weeks.

Green area renamed

2009-12-03T13:24:00.003-05:00

The Carpenters Union worked in conjunction with neighbors in the area to spruce up the pedestrian cut-though located on the corner of Dorchester Ave. and Howell Street.

The park has been renamed Paul’s Triangle in memory of long time Howell Street resident and community advocate Paul Markilis. Mr. Markilis’ family still resides on the street.

The neighborhood surrounding the park and the Carpenters Center is known as the ‘Polish Triangle.’ In this area, Dorchester Avenue, Boston Street and Columbia road converge, literally, into a triangle that extends out into South Boston.

The triangular design of the pergola built by the Carpenters Union is part of an effort to brand the Polish Triangle neighborhood.

Desmond Rohan, neighbor and member of the McCormick Civic Association, which is involved in various beautification efforts throughout the community, including Paul’s Triangle, recently thanked the Carpenters Union saying, “Your efforts will certainly make it possible to continue improving the area and without your support we would not have made the progress we have to date.”

The McCormack Civic Association, through the support of local merchants and businesses, recently hung wreaths for the holiday season along Dorchester Ave. To learn more about this group, visit their website at www.mccormackcivic.com.

88%

2009-12-01T14:25:00.003-05:00

As of November 30th, construction of the Carpenters Center is 88% complete!

2009-11-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

Neighborhood improvement project

2009-11-25T09:54:00.009-05:00

The Carpenters Union has joined efforts with neighbors in the community to spruce up the pedestrian cut-through located on the corner of Dorchester Ave. and Howell Street.

A set of stairs were installed in the green area connecting Dorchester Ave to Washburn Street. Members of Piledrivers Local 56 fabricated the treads in the piledrivers shop. The the treads were cut to size, holes were predrilled, and the hardware to hold the treads in place was fabricated at the shop.

RDA Construction donated the greenheart timber used for the stair treads. This eco-friendly timber is used in dock and pier construction. The dense timber won’t rot when placed directly on the ground, as water cannot permeate it.

Other volunteers assembled a pergola in the green area. The douglas fir was donated by the Carpenters Union.

Interior Paint Colors

2009-11-20T12:09:00.001-05:00

Painters with H.W. Ellis Painting Company, Inc. have been working in the interior of the building. The following is a selection of Benjamin Moore paint colors being used at the Carpenters Center.

Sugar Cookie                       Desert Twilight


Light Khaki              Nantucket Gray


Thyme    Mink


Snow White Eggshell

Project Update from the Owner's Rep.

2009-11-13T14:56:00.002-05:00

Video Update

2009-11-06T09:50:00.001-05:00

Video Update - Second Floor Flooring

2009-11-05T12:10:00.004-05:00

See the post below for more information.

Floorcoverers work on second floor

2009-11-04T15:16:00.008-05:00

On the second floor of the building a unique project is ongoing with a crew of floorlayers from Local 2168 working for Allegheny Contract Flooring. The second floor of the building, while flat, was not level, due to the quantity of drains throughout the floor from the laundry facility that used to be housed in the building.

A process called Flooding is being implemented throughout the second floor to level the floor in preparation for flooring installation that will happen in the coming months.

The crew working for Allegheny Contract will see this process through from start to finish. First, the floor is prepped using a diamatic grinder (seen below). A bonding agent primer is painted on the prepped floor. The primer bonds to the existing floor and the new self leveling cement that will be poured on top.

Crews then begin the intricate process of determining the measurements necessary to level the floor. First, they strike a grid chalk line in four or three foot squares, depending on the size of the room. They are given a benchmark, which tells them where the zero mark lies for the elevation of the floor. Orange tabs are placed along the grid system and are later cut to the necessary lengths to reach that zero mark.

Using the leveler (seen below), a reading is given to determine how high up the floor needs to be to reach the zero mark. The worker seen here takes that measurement and writes it on the ground next to the orange tab. Each tab is then cut to the correct height, which will later help determine how much cement needs to be poured over a particular section of the floor.

The pallets of portland-based cement mix can be seen below. On this particular day, Allegheny Contract was working on an 8,000 square foot area that would require around 18 pallets of Portland cement mixture.

The crew works simultaneously to flood the floor. Workers pour cement into the mixer, which then runs through a hose into another room where the floor is flooded.

The floor will be dry enough to walk across within approximately 4 hours. While the floor won’t immediately be able to handle point loads, crews will be able to work in areas where the floor has been poured within 24 hours, as long as they protect the floors and use ladders.

Menino looms large along the Expressway

2009-11-02T14:00:00.004-05:00

Check out the Boston Globe's coverage on Boston.com.

75%!

2009-11-01T08:23:00.001-05:00

As of October 31st, construction of the Carpenters Center is 75% complete!

Carpenters Center goes live with LED Display

2009-10-29T10:30:00.003-04:00

The Carpenters Union went live today with a major component of the Carpenters Center: a 32’ H x 21’ W transparent LED display. The display is located at the South side of the building and is visible to traffic traveling north along I-93.

A striking component of the building’s façade, the display is made up of horizontally-oriented LED sticks, offering superior brightness, contrast, and image quality. The display is perfectly suited for photographic images, both black and white and full color. It can handle millions of colors.

The horizontal orientation and spacing of the LED sticks allows for 53% transparency, while supporting an average of 40mm resolution. Technology evaluations provided the necessary image quality at viewing distances of 150’, or equal to the distance that passing cars will be viewing the display from the highway.

Looking out to the Expressway from inside the building.

There are only one or two transparent LED installations in the US which are approximately half the resolution of this display and 1/3 the potential brightness - making this sign clearly visible in the middle of the day.

The Carpenters Center display will meet all Federal Highway mandates including the minimum length of time an image must be displayed, known as the digital billboard’s “hold time.” The industry’s average digital displays hold time is 8 seconds.

Federal Highway Administration regulates digital display’s brightness by mandating that all digital displays be adjusted to compliment ambient light levels. This display’s brightness levels will be scheduled by a content delivery system that is able to adjust the brightness of the display to match the ambient light levels. This will ensure that the display’s brightness is appropriate to the time of day and seasonal light levels.

Selection and implementation of the LED Display was done with strong consideration given to its impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The display will have no paid advertising content and the brightness levels will comply with the regulations mentioned above.

"We want the sign to send a message about who we are, what we do, and our connections to the communities we live and work in,” notes Mark Erlich, NERCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer.

Then and Now

2009-10-23T13:11:00.001-04:00

March 5, 2009

October 23, 2009

Sidewalk poured, landscaping to begin

2009-10-22T09:56:00.002-04:00

At the end of last week, S&F Concrete poured a section of sidewalk connecting the Pavilion to the city sidewalk as well as the patio adjacent to the Pavilion. Additionally, they poured the sidewalks adjacent to the parking deck and prepared the area for landscaping.

Tress will be planted along the perimeter of the patio and alongside the ramp entrance to the parking deck.

Asphalt to be placed at parking deck

2009-10-20T09:45:00.002-04:00

Last week, a crew working with S&F Concrete completed the final pour at the parking deck. Asphalt is scheduled to be placed this week in the lower level of the deck up to the ramp.

As explained in an earlier post, visitors will enter from Dorchester Ave and drive on to the top level of the parking deck. The entryway ramp will be centered to the parking deck. The ramp itself is 32 feet wide, to accommodate traffic in either direction coming in and out of the garage, by approximately 25 feet long.

The upper parking deck will have 46 parking spaces and there will be 43 spaces in the lower deck. There will be an additional 6 spaces separate from the parking garage at the North end of the building.

The majority of the parking deck, including the entire upper parking deck is a concrete surface. One section, however, from the base of the ramp at the south side of the parking deck down to the lower level and the first section of the parking decking will be bituminous asphalt. In the lower level of parking deck along the abutter’s side, two vent windows were put in place to create cross ventilation. Asphalt will smoke and burn during a fire, so fire code requires proper ventilation in areas asphalt will be used.

Due to the concrete retaining wall along the north section, the lower level in this area of the garage will be concrete, which will crack under heat but will not smoke/burn as asphalt does.

The blueprint below highlights the area of the ramp and lower level of the garage that will be covered in asphalt instead of concrete. The pink highlights indicate the vent windows along the abutter’s side of the garage. The rendering below the prints shows that the Expressway side of the lower parking deck will be open, allowing air to move freely into the space.

Facts about the Exterior - Cedar

2009-10-16T11:19:00.002-04:00

As previously posted, Sunrise Erectors also began installing cedar siding between windows on the West side of the building. Cedar accents were selected to help this side of the building conform to the look of the residential neighborhood. The cedar will be installed between windows on the third floor and in a section along the bottom of the windows on the second floor down to the Pavilion level.

Here is some information about the cedar being installed:

The western red cedar has a custom tongue and groove shape, giving it a unique appearance and stronger interlocking connection than typical tongue and groove products.
The cedar is from 100 year old trees and has roughly 15 rings per inch, making it a long-lasting product with an expected lifetime of 50 years.
The cedar sealant is a water-soluble silicone based water-proofer that is less harsh on the environment than oil based products and emits no VOCs.

Information provided by Sunrise Erectors.

LED Display Installed

2009-10-12T15:21:00.003-04:00

At the end of last week the LED display was installed at the Carpenters Center.

Crews unload a section of the LED display.

The sign is 32’H x 21’W and arrived on site in 5 separate sections. The display is made up of horizontally-oriented LED sticks, seen below in a close-up photo.

The sign has superior brightness, contrast, and image quality, while allowing for greater than 50% transparency and supporting an average of 40mm resolution. Technology evaluations provided the necessary image quality at viewing distances of 150’, or equal to the distance that passing cars will be viewing the display from the highway.

Although it is 50% transparent, it is capable of displaying a 400 x 600 pixel image. The display can handle millions of colors.

The display will be the highest-resolution transparent LED display in the world and will be seen by over 280,000 viewers per day. There are only one or two transparent LED installations in the US which are approximately half the resolution of this display and 1/3 the potential brightness - making this sign clearly visible in the middle of the day.

The Carpenters Center display will meet all Federal Highway mandates including the minimum length of time an image must be displayed, known as the digital billboard’s “hold time.” The industry’s average digital displays hold time is 8 seconds.

Federal Highway Administration regulates digital display’s brightness by mandating that all digital displays be adjusted to compliment ambient light levels. This display’s brightness levels will be scheduled by a content delivery system that is able to adjust the brightness of the display to match the ambient light levels. This will ensure that the display’s brightness is appropriate to the time of day and seasonal light levels.

Information provided by Sensory Interactive.

Facts about the Exterior

2009-10-07T10:45:00.011-04:00

There is over 27,000 square feet of insulation and membrane on the building.
There are 866 metal panels total, and their typical dimensions are roughly 2’ x 15’.
The largest panel sits at the top corner of the sloped wall near the highway: in addition to the face of the panel, it spans 45 inches over the parapet.
Most corner panels need their own box truck to arrive on the site without incurring any damage.
The paint colors for Carpenters Center metal panels took months to refine to achieve the level of gloss and shine that we see on the building today.
Some vertical members of the entry pavilion curtain wall weigh upwards of 700 lbs each.
The largest pieces of glass weight over 200 lbs each.

Information provided by Sunrise Erectors.

The Exterior of the Carpenters Center

2009-10-02T10:38:00.003-04:00

From Suzanne O’Leary, Assistant Project Manager, Sunrise Erectors:
The Carpenters Center exterior is comprised of metal panel rainscreen, cedar tongue and groove rainscreen, curtain wall and storefront systems.

Alucobond panels are the primary material in the metal panel rainscreen, which we receive in the form of flat stock. The rainscreen acts as a second shell to the building, protecting the first layer from weathering and heavy moisture. Any moisture that does penetrate the rainscreen is allowed to dry out through various vents.

Sunrise Erectors fabricates each panel and piece of furring from flat material in their shop in Canton, MA before assembling and installing it. The panel colors were meticulously formulated and have a substantial amount of metallic fleck, adding to the range of each color as go past the building, similar to car paint.

Photo Recap - September

2009-10-01T13:27:00.001-04:00

68%!

2009-10-01T10:37:00.001-04:00

As of September 30th, construction of the Carpenters Center is 68% complete!

Alucobond Panel Installation

2009-09-30T14:30:00.002-04:00

The installation of Alucobond panels is moving right along. The process includes varies steps. First, crews working for Sunrise Erectors screw galvanized light-gauge steel Z-clips through the ice and water shield (dark blue) that covers the building.

These clips are screwed in place every 16 inches, through the ice and water shield and into the metal stud of the exterior of the building. Between the Z-clips, 3-inch rigid Styrofoam insulation is put in place (light blue, above).

Across the face of the insulation the stand-off grid system is installed. These steel strips run vertically across the building. 90% of the stand-off grid work is complete.

The stips run vertically above and below the windows.

The Alucobond panels are clipped onto the stand-off steel grid.

At panel joints (where two panels meet) there is ½ inch spacing where you can see a reveal strip that is colored differently then the panels to give a shadow effect. On the second and third floors it is a dark bronze reveal and on the first floor it’s a gray reveal.

Panels are arriving on site every day from the fabrication shop, located in Canton, MA.

Sunrise Erectors also began installing cedar siding between windows on the West side of the building. Cedar accents were selected to help this side of the building conform to the look of the residential neighborhood. The cedar will be installed between windows on the third floor and in a section along the bottom of the windows on the second floor down to the Pavilion level.

Stainless Steel panels will run horizontally along the bottom of the building, wherever the building meets the ground or the lower level of the parking deck. Much like a back splash of a kitchen sink, this stainless steel will act as a back splash to handle things like salt, water and dirt that typically come in contact with this part of a building.

Rooftop Units Installed

2009-09-28T10:12:00.001-04:00

Three rooftop units (RTU) were installed today at the Carpenters Center. These air handling units will provide heat and air conditioning for the entire building. Each RTU is approximately 10 feet wide by 38 feet long and weighs nearly three tons.

Drywall Work Continues

2009-09-25T08:37:00.004-04:00

This week, drywall work was completed on the third floor of the building, with the exception of the elevator door fronts. Elevator work is expected to begin later next week. When the elevator work begins the door fronts will be drywalled. Drywall crews have started work on the second floor.

Electrical and mechanical inspections of the first floor are scheduled for next week.

Alucobond Panel Installation Begins

2009-09-21T11:49:00.005-04:00

Crews working for Sunrise Erectors began installing the Alucobond Panels on the exterior of the Carpenters Center.

The following series of pictures was taken at the same time of day, driving Northbound along the building. Notice how the panels appear to change color. The reflection of the sunlight along with the viewing angle changes the appearance of the panels. This detail is part of the architectural design of the building.

Then and now

2009-09-16T14:29:00.002-04:00

February 13, 2009

September 2, 2009

Video Update

2009-09-15T08:36:00.001-04:00

The Carpenters Center is coming along. Siding is currently going up. Check out these interviews with a couple of carpenters on the site who are getting the job done.

Communicating stairs erected

2009-09-11T13:49:00.003-04:00

Ironworkers with American Architectural Iron, began erecting the communicating stairs between the second and first floor of the Carpenters Center. The communicating stairs through the open well will allow for foot traffic to flow through the first and second floors of the Training Center, creating a unified, multilevel interior.

When the iron work is complete, the stair pans will be filled with concrete. The stair treads and landings will be walnut veneer hard wood flooring.

Meanwhile, on the third floor, the drywall is nearly complete. Carpenters working for H. Carr & Sons have started hanging drywall on the second floor of the building.

Window Installation Begins

2009-09-08T10:45:00.001-04:00

Last week, window installation began at the Carpenters Center. A composite crew of carpenters and glazers working for Sunrise Erectors began installing punched opening windows on the second floor.

Aluminum window frame installation continues throughout the building. The lightweight gauge of the aluminum frame requires it to be installed to the wall assembly (metal stud, Dens Glass, air/vapor barrier) first. Once the the frame in place the carpenters and glazers can install and seal the glass within the frame.

To ensure proper layout, crews work from the corners of the building and work inward to the center.

Drywall started on third floor

2009-09-03T13:53:00.002-04:00

Carpenters working for H. Carr & Sons began hanging drywall on the third floor of the building this week. Before starting the drywall, the area needed to pass electrical and plumbing inspections. After passing inspection, crews were given the go-ahead to close up the walls.

Drywall screws are used to attach the drywall to the metal stud frame. The carpenter screws one in every eight inches along the four edges of the board and every twelve inches through the center of the sheet.

After the boards are hung, tapers come in and tape along the joints, where two boards meet. They apply a compound to the area, put the tape down and scrape the area with a broad knife to ensure the tape is wet and embedded in the compound. A second and third coat of compound is applied and finally the taped areas are sanded down flush to the drywall. When this process is complete the walls are ready to be primed and painted.

The third floor of the Carpenters Center will include office space for the New England Regional Council of Carpenters, the New England Carpenters Labor Management Program, and various Local Unions. The third floor will have
* 1 reception/waiting area
* 35 offices
* 6 conference rooms
* 14 storage/file rooms
* 4 copier rooms
* 1 men’s and 1 women’s restroom
* 2 break rooms

60%!

2009-09-01T14:02:00.005-04:00

As of August 31st, construction of the Carpenters Center is 60% complete!

Photo Recap - August

2009-09-01T14:01:00.001-04:00

Crews prepare to hang drywall on third floor

2009-08-31T14:28:00.002-04:00

Crews are preparing the third floor for interior drywall installation. The window openings have been covered with plastic to protect the interior of the building from rain.

The office spaces located on the third floor are framed out and Carpenters working for H. Carr & Sons will soon begin hanging drywall.

Meanwhile, crews were finishing up initial MEP work (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) including pulling cable throughout the floor.

Carpenters to salute Senator Kennedy

2009-08-27T13:30:00.003-04:00

Union carpenters will gather at the headquarters of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters today to pay tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy's passing procession. It is expected to pass the building at 803 Summer Street in South Boston between 3-3:30pm.

All members are welcome and encouraged to come.

Video Update

2009-08-27T11:07:00.004-04:00

John Estano, the Owner's Representative for the New England Regional Council of Carpenters, reports in early August at the halfway point of the project.

Final section of exterior walls framed out

2009-08-24T14:05:00.003-04:00

With the fire proofing of the steel beams complete, the trailer that held the mixing and spraying apparatus has been removed from the site. This allowed for crews to begin framing out the exterior walls on northwest side of the third floor.

This type of framing is called fly-by framing. The framing is moved off of the concrete floor and is attached to the side of the concrete beam using specially designed and engineered clips to attach the metal framing.

The dimples and rectangular stamp design give the clip added strength. All of the exterior walls have been framed out using this fly-by technique.

Wood blocking installation

2009-08-20T12:27:00.003-04:00

Wood blocking was installed in door openings throughout the building. 2x4s are placed in the door jam openings at locations where there will be wood doors. The door frames and casings cannot be nailed into the metal studs, so 2x4s are screwed into the metal studs to create a strong nailing surface for the finished door frame and casings.

There will be approximately 110 wood doors throughout the building.

Steel fire doors will be located in stair wells, exits to the parking deck and in the lobby area. The communicating stair from the first to the second floor will have a glass door, as well the conference room on the third floor and the front entrance doors.

Then and now

2009-08-12T07:53:00.003-04:00

February 2009:

August 2009:

Dens Glass Complete

2009-08-07T09:27:00.004-04:00

With the exception of a few pieces the Dens Glass work is completed on the entire building. Waterproofing membrane – seen below in blue – is virtually complete on the Eastside of the building as well as the South end area of the cantilever.

This self- adhering, rubberized material is completely water proof. In certain locations, such as around the windows, there is added adhesion, a contact cement, that is rolled on to the window sill and below, so that the membrane doesn’t blister.

A grid system of aluminium strips will be installed on the wall to hang the panels and to ensure that the reveal joints are aligned. Fastening clips, which are screwed through the Dens Glass will also be installed as part of the grid system.

The Alucabond panels are being fabricated at the Sunrise Erectors shop in Canton, MA by members of Carpenters Local 51. The panels arrive to the shop 5x10 sheets, which are cut to specifications and fastening clips are installed.

When the panels arrive at the Carpenters Center they will be installed using a process known as ‘blind fastening.’ The panel clips are matched up with the clips that were installed into the aluminum grid system for fastening. This process requires that each panel be matched up to a specific location throughout the building. Carpenters installing the panels will read numbers on back of the panel so they know where each goes.