KBE Building Corp. Completes 8th Phase of Tower One Renovation, Funded by Largest HUD Grant in U.S. History
$300 million commercial construction firm converts studio apartments into handicap-accessible one-bedroom units
NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 31, 2014 (Newswire.com) - KBE Building Corporation has completed Phase VIII of a multi-year, multi-million-dollar building project funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s largest Assisted Living Conversion Project grant.
As General Contractor for the $1.7-million, 6,000-square-foot phase at the Tower One senior living facility in downtown New Haven, KBE converted three studio apartments on each of eight floors into two one-bedroom apartments per floor. Eight of the one-bedroom apartments are 100% handicap accessible. This is the eighth phase of KBE’s work at Tower One, with more than 100 units converted to assisted living units.
"At KBE, we are delighted to have participated in this historic project. It's exciting each time we complete a new phase of the renovation."
Mike Kolakowski, KBE President and CEO
Designed by renowned architect Charles Moore, Tower One has provided Connecticut seniors with a safe, pleasant living experience since 1971. In 1982 an adjoining tower, Tower East, was built to expand the urban campus community, located at 18 Tower Lane in New Haven.
“At KBE, we are delighted to have participated in this historic project,” said KBE owner and CEO Mike Kolakowski, who bought the firm with Eric Brown and Simon Etzel in 2007. “It’s exciting each time we complete a new phase of the renovation.”
During prior building phases at Tower One / Tower East, KBE constructed a new drop-off and main entrance area, added an exterior elevator, and created an additional floor for resident services and administrative space. Since Phase I, KBE has performed nearly $25 million of work at Tower One / Tower East. Tower One has applied for additional grants, which are pending approval by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Construction isn’t the only thing KBE has contributed at the legendary senior living facility. The philanthropic firm also donated $50,000 to the Tower One/Tower East Wellness Initiative as part of its corporate philanthropy program 50 Ways to Make a Difference. Tower One has used the funds to develop and implement a comprehensive wellness program for its elderly residents.
Established in 2007 to celebrate the firm’s new ownership, name change, and 50 years in business, 50 Ways has allowed KBE staff to donate more than $1.2 million and 5,000 volunteer hours to charitable causes that benefit various groups, including seniors, children, and military veterans.
In 2014, KBE is focusing its philanthropic efforts on technical high school students. On June 9, the firm awarded $17,000 in scholarships to 34 graduating seniors pursuing higher education in construction and related skilled trades.
In addition to expanding senior living facilities, KBE has expanded the markets and locations it serves. The firm has received numerous awards for not only its cutting-edge senior living facilities, but also for its building projects at colleges and universities and technical high schools.
KBE is also completing more building projects in the Mid-Atlantic. The firm’s Maryland office, which oversees its Mid-Atlantic projects, built the $103 million Ingleside at King Farm Continuing Care Retirement Community in Rockville, Maryland. The high-end facility also achieved NC 2.2 LEED Certification.
A high-resolution photo of the Phase VIII progress is available here. Credit Paul Burk Photography.
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About KBE Building Corporation
Regionally located in Farmington, Conn., and Columbia, Md., KBE Building Corporation is a full-service, single-source commercial construction company strategically positioned to serve the Eastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Founded in 1959 and incorporated in 1966, the firm provides preconstruction, construction management, design-build, and general contracting services to clients in the educational, senior living, federal, corporate, hospitality, health care, institutional, and retail markets. KBE has managed more than $2.5 billion in construction volume over the last decade and is ranked among Engineering News-Record magazine's top 400 construction companies nationally.
Media Contact: Jonelle Lawhorn | KBE Director of Marketing
t: 860.284.7431| c: 860.836.7517 | f: 860.284.7831 | e: jlawhorn@kbebuilding.com
