44 September 2026

Cambridge, MA— Abbot has completed the first phase of a masonry restoration and repair project at the Cambridge Courtyard condominiums in Central Square. The property consists of two brick and stone mixed-use buildings with a recessed courtyard between them. Abbot won the project through competitive bidding.

The initial phase focused on the areas of the front elevation in need of significant repair. Abbot cut and pointed the entire front elevation, including the interior courtyard, using a concave mortar joint. The firm identified deteriorated steel lintels and replaced them with new galvanized steel lintels, installed flashing around the lintels, and reinstalled the bricks that had been removed. Deteriorated stone

Cambridge Courtyard

elements were demolished and replaced with matching precast concrete.

Abbot then coated the stone with an elastomeric paint in a color selected by the owners, scraped and painted the wood trim window surrounds, replaced deteriorated and rotted trim, and caulked the perimeter of all windows.

The firm waterproofed the brick façade with a clear sealer( BSM 400, Evonik Industries), scraped and painted the fire escapes and the metal railings above the entryways, painted the entryways, and top-coated the small roofs above them with 988 silicone roof coating( Henry Company).

Abbot is now working on the second phase, shifting to the rear of the building.

Boston, MA— Kaplan Construction, a WBE general contractor, has completed renovations at Interfaith Apartments, two historic affordable housing buildings at 282 Columbus Avenue and 68 West Concord Street in Boston’ s South End. The work modernized the occupied residential buildings through energy-efficiency upgrades and exterior restoration.

The properties are owned by Haley House, a nonprofit that has provided housing and food to people in need for 60 years, with Maloney Properties serving as property manager and Maloney Development LLC, dba Cira Development, as development consultant. Joy Squared Design was architect of record, Scott Forest was structural engineer, and Wozny Barbar was MEP engineer.

The two buildings total more than 60,000sf and 59 affordable housing units. Work included facade restoration, masonry repointing and repairs, exterior wall insulation, interior painting, wood door refinishing, slate roof repairs at 282 Columbus Avenue, and the replacement of 96 windows at 68 West Concord Street.

Kaplan restored a historic cast-iron roof rail dating to the late 1800s and used a minimally invasive pinhole insulation process to improve thermal performance while preserving existing finishes. The improvements also support compliance with Boston’ s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance.

282 Columbus Avenue

Kaplan coordinated masonry and window mockups with the design team and the South End Landmarks Commission before work began, and conducted bi-weekly site walks with the owner and architect. Window mockups underwent blower testing to verify air and water performance, and hazardous materials were tested and abated where required before renovation began.

Residents remained in their homes throughout construction. Kaplan worked with Maloney Properties on a phased schedule and tenant communication. The project was completed in June 2026, and follows the firm’ s first occupied affordable housing renovation with Maloney Development in 2020.

Mechanical Contractors Association

www. high-profile. com

We offer membership within the Mechanical Contractors Association, Mechanical Service Contractors Association, and the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau. We support our member contractors through our educational seminars, labor and government relations, industry news and marketing. Committed to the future of our industry, we sponsor MCA student chapter at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Our affiliation with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America and our strong, cooperative relationship with the United Association enable us to offer our members numerous opportunities to build lasting, beneficial relationships with peers while acquiring the business knowledge and tools to keep their company successful.

617.405.4221 www. nemca. org @ NewEnglandMCA

Petersham, MA— Lauring Construction has completed a site upgrade and improvement project at the Fisher Museum at Harvard Forest in Petersham. The Worcester-based, third-generation construction management firm handled the work through its sitework division.

The scope included new underground electric utilities for additional lighting on the property, along with conduits for a planned future installation of EV chargers. The division also demolished and replaced an ADA-compliant access ramp, repaved the entire parking lot, carried out miscellaneous concrete site demolition, and made drainage improvements.

The Fisher Museum was established in 1941 to provide information on forest ecology, landscape history, and land conservation and management. It houses exhibits, dioramas, and recreational trails.

Lauring’ s other cultural and community projects in the region include the Stoddard Educational and Visitor Center at Tower Hill Botanical Garden and the Tsotsis Family Academic Center at Assumption University.

“ Our company prides itself on providing the expertise and care necessary to preserve and enhance Worcester County’ s most treasured cultural resources,” said Mike Lauring, vice president, Lauring Construction.“ The Fisher Museum enjoys a loyal following of visitors and supporters, and we appreciate the opportunity to work with their team to make critical infrastructure improvements to the property that will enhance the visitor experience for years to come.”