A Tragedy Turns Into Opportunity for Lawrence’s Stone Mill Lofts

A tragedy was turned into a game-changing opportunity with Stone Mill Lofts—an 86-unit, mixed-income apartment community recently opened in Lawrence, Massachusetts. 

The project utilized $2.8 million in funds from the massive lawsuit settlement following the Columbia Gas line explosions, which caused over 80 fires in the Merrimack Valley region in 2018. Using the money, WinnDevelopment was able to revitalize an 1840s-era mill building—Lawrence’s oldest on record—and transform the space into a fully functional, all-electric apartment complex. 

“Being the first project to receive funding from the Merrimack Valley Gas Explosion Relief Funds, the Stone Mill Lofts project is a shining example of what can be accomplished for the public good following a tragic event,” says Adam Stein, executive vice president of development at WinnCompanies. 

One of the few in the state, the fossil-fuel-free apartment community will use 46% less energy and emit 33% fewer greenhouse gases than the typical gas-fired multifamily property. It’s also expected to save 177 metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions annually.

“You immediately see the building and the matching, tall smokestack entering off a major highway into town,” Stein says. “It has always been iconic due to these reasons, and now it is also iconic because it is one of the first 100% electric mill conversions in Massachusetts.”

The $54 million Stone Mill Lofts is open to residents of all ages and backgrounds, and 80% of the units are income-restricted. The property also boasts a wide variety of services, including a dedicated senior community coordinator, youth enrichment programs, networking opportunities, regular on-site events, and educational programs like financial coaching and job skills training. The community has reached full capacity.