AP Services is redesigning a 23,134-square-foot space for Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) In Leominster, Massachusetts.

“MWCC has been a tenant here for 15 years. We put in a bid to increase the size from 20,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet,” said Michael Lanney, AP Services President and CEO. “The construction estimate is $3 million.”

The current project will allow MWCC to offer unique programs and expand on-campus services at the Leominster campus.

“AP Services has been fortunate to work with MWCC for more than 15 years,” said Craig Pierce, Vice President of Client Services.

The new office and classroom spaces will include a science lab, ambulance simulator, food for thought food pantry, Pearson testing site, student lounge/study areas, enhanced classroom audio/visual equipment, and 14 upgraded classrooms and laboratories.

“The community is anxious to see the positive impact the new office and classroom spaces will have on MWCC in helping young adults in their journey,” Pierce said. “We couldn’t be happier to work with a college possessing such diverse fields of study and we look forward to helping them in the future.”

Pierce said that students will reap the benefits of new programs being offered closer to home.

“New and improved classrooms and a variety of new training opportunities provide dual enrollment students and college students with the chance to get ahead of their dreams and pursue more than they have ever envisioned,” Pierce said. “The surrounding community will benefit immensely from these developments and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

PS Dandini Builders will oversee all general construction.

The project, that was in the planning stages since April 2022, kicked off at the beginning of June with AP Services managing the project from start to finish.

As of mid-June, framing had begun on the main level of the project area and demolition was almost complete up the ramp. This kicked off the demolition on the second floor along with the framing of the ramp.

“It is all coming together and we cannot wait to see the finished product,” Pierce said. “This is primarily interior demolition and construction of offices, student lounge, classrooms, etc. Any required site work will be done by AP Services.”

During excavation, more than 23,000 square feet of interior demolition was required to build out the new space.

“Because this is 99 percent an interior job, excavation is not the primary objective,” Pierce said. “However, approximately 500 to 1,000 feet of material had to be removed to prepare for the new elevator installation and expansion of services like plumbing and electrical.”

AP Service trucks were used to hall away excavated materials. Other equipment used included a Doosan DL 220 Wheel Loader, a Doosan 250 Wheel Loader, a Hyundai HL 730-7 Wheel Loader, a John Deere 310SL Backhoe; a Yanmar ViO35 Mini Excavator, a GEHL skid steer loader, and a GMC 1-ton dump truck.

“We were able to recycle metal door frames, metal studs, and light fixtures,” Pierce said.

Pierce said the most significant challenge encountered during the redesign process was with the supply chain. This included the rising cost of materials plus delays in receiving.

“The cost of glass has increased over 25 percent since we started, as well as other materials like drywall,” Pierce said. “For the most part we stayed ahead of the issue by ordering in advance which has helped keep the project on schedule.”

Lanney pointed out that it was important to become proactive to secure materials before increases happened.

“I bought the noise insulation that will keep the noise down between classrooms six months ago,” Lanney said. “There was a 15 percent increase. We bought all the drywall three months in advance.”

By mid-July, demolition and framing were complete and electrical and plumbing had started.

“Tanzio Masonry was hard at work filling in the various areas where plumbing has been completed while our team continues to prepare for the new elevator installation,” Pierce said. “LJR Plumbing and Heating continues to install new plumbing in other areas of the office space in Leominster while Poirier Electric continues to run electrical and data wiring.”

In early August, the old elevator was decommissioned by the State of Massachusetts. The concrete floor was cut for the new elevator pit that will soon give access to all three levels of the new office space.

“The state comes in and approves the decommissioning and then we can remove the elevator,” said Lanney. “What we are doing now is installing a three-story elevator. We are digging a column for new steel footings to support the roof because we have to cut the roof out for the elevator.”

Lanney said by mid-August the walls will be framed and the masonry work started.

“The framing will be completed and so will the rough plumbing,” Pierce said. “The floor has already been cut to allow for plumbing throughout MWCC’s new learning center.”
Following electrical inspections, drywall will start being installed and MWCC’s new look will start to become a reality.

Since the early 2000’s, AP Services has provided real estate investors and business owners alike with expert-level end-to-end property development solutions.

Real estate brokers, construction companies, and property managers often found themselves on different wavelengths, even though all three groups were pursuing the same end goal – keeping property owners and tenants happy.

With experience in everything from site selection and buy vs. build analysis to lease negotiations and property management, AP Services is equipped to help with all aspects of a client’s real estate needs.

The project is scheduled to be complete by December 2022.

• AP Services – Property development and management
• PS Dandini Builders – General construction
• LJR Plumbing and Heating – Plumbing work
• Nova Fire Protection – Fire sprinklers and systems
• Piper Electrical Services – Electrical work
• PROperties, Inc. – HVAC installation
• Otis Elevator Co. – Elevator services
• Tanzio Masonry – Brickwork around the elevator shaft
• Majestic Painting – Painting services