Current Projects

Below is a sample portfolio of our current project work. Click on the project photo to view more images.

Malden Mills Redevelopment, Lawrence/Methuen, MA

Level Design Group (LDG) was contracted to provide civil and site design services, including construction drawings and documents and the required permits, for the complete redevelopment of a 38 acre former mill site. The first priority of the project was the drainage design which involved the complete separation of the stormwater flow from the on-site combined sewer. The designed system separates and mitigates approximately 4 million gallons of stormwater flow during the peak hour storm event. The flow mitigation is facilitated by low impact development (LID) technologies via subsurface stormwater infiltration and alternative total suspended solids (TSS) removal prior to infiltration. This was one of the largest subsurface detention projects in the United States for the subsurface chamber manufacturer. Throughout the project, LDG worked closely with the City of Lawrence for the required project permitting.

The second phase of the project is the ongoing redevelopment of the existing mill space. Due to the age and conditions of the site, the delineation of property lines and an extensive existing conditions survey was undertaken. The existing site was comprised of in excess of 100 individual parcels, at least 12 of which were Land Court land. The survey, permitting and Land Court filings were completed to decertify the 12 parcels and combine all individual properties into a cohesive site. Another major step required working with the City of Lawrence Planning Department to rezone through the City Council and implement a 40R Smart Growth Overlay district for the site.

One site design challenge is the incorporation of the movement and operations of three existing tenants on the property. One tenant is the Polartec Plant which employs in excess of 900 persons onsite and has extensive truck movement and operational needs. The design also includes a Community Center, 600 apartments, 100,000 s.f. of commercial space (exclusive of the Polartec Plant), associated parking, utilities and a greenway trail to connect to the City of Lawrence Spicket River Greenway. The design takes into account the environmentally sensitive nature of the site and allows for reuse of the site while removing more than 20% of the existing impervious surfaces. Permitting agencies which LDG has with for the project include the City of Lawrence Planning and Conservation and the City of Methuen Planning and Conservation, as well as the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Groundwork Lawrence, Spicket River Greenway, Lawrence, MA

On behalf of the City of Lawrence, LDG was retained by Groundwork Lawrence to provide an existing conditions survey of four areas along the Spicket River. These areas were chosen as potential sites for the beginning of the Spicket River Greenway, to be constructed by the city in conjunction with an EPA grant. The survey included delineation of existing features, bridge profiles, bank profiles and a partial bottom profile of the channel itself.

Central Falls Planning, Central Falls, RI

LDG was retained by the City of Central Falls to perform a drainage analysis of a former DPW yard and evaluate its effect on the Blackstone River. Of specific concern was the how existing drainage would impact a proposed bike path along the bank of the Blackstone River and the possibility of flow mitigation in this portion of the bike path.

Chestnut Green Wastewater Treatment Plant, Foxboro, MA

As part of the redevelopment of the former Foxboro State Hospital, LDG designed and permitted a 45,000 gallon per day Rotating Biological Contactor Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The WWTP design includes pumping requirements, primary, secondary and tertiary cleaning, and disinfection of the effluent prior to discharge. LDG worked in conjunction with the site contractor and existing site survey and design firm for permitting with the local municipality. LDG also worked with and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for the permitting, installation and start-up of the WWTP.

Corliss Landing Definitive Subdivision, North Attleboro, MA

LDG has been retained to prepare the survey, site design and hydrologic analysis and provide construction administration for a five lot industrial subdivision in the Town of North Attleboro. This project is the first industrial subdivision within the town in over twenty years. It was permitted through the North Attleboro Conservation Commission and the North Attleboro Planning Board for Preliminary and Definitive Subdivsion approval. Through extensive research, the North Attleboro Board of Public Works approved the use of alternative stormwater treatment technology. This project, once constructed, will hold the first alternative treatment technology approved in the town.

Travelers Insurance Concierge Claim Center, Dedham, MA

LDG prepared a survey of existing site conditions, provided design and permitting documents, and assisted in presentations to the Town of Dedham Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission for the partial redevelopment of a commercial parcel. The site previously housed two non-conforming structures, a 15,000 sf. and a 26,000 sf. warehouse/office building. The 26,000 building was destroyed in a fire requiring the entire building to be razed. LDG re-designed the site to satisfy the needs of the Concierge Claim Center and also made required improvements to the site including the new parking isles, green space and new landscaping. An upgraded stormwater management system was designed that incorporates four subsurface infiltration systems and a rainwater collection cistern tied into the roof drainage system, which will provide water for the newly added landscaped areas.

The Ambassador, Hartford, CT

The former Ambassador Hotel in downtown Hartford is being redeveloped into more than 80 apartments. LDG has been contracted for services related to the redevelopment including site design and ALTA survey of the four parcels which comprise the site. The site design rehabilitates the existing dilapidated parking lot and historic landscape courtyard for redevelopment of the existing building. The redevelopment includes the exterior redevelopment and compliance with current Federal and State Accessibility standards. LDG is working with the City of Hartford Planning Department for the permitting and redevelopment of the site.

Tower Mill, Manchester, NH

LDG was contracted to create site plans, design handicapped access and perform permitting duties for the redevelopment of the historic Tower Mill in the Amoskeog Mill District of Manchester, New Hampshire. Due to the building location, the site development was permitted through the Design Review Board to ensure historical accuracy. The building was also permitted through the Manchester Planning Board for the redevelopment of the existing parking area, traffic analysis and shared parking configuration on the property.

Eastern Ice Manufacturing Facility, Fall River, MA

LDG prepared design documents, permitting documents, and presentations through the City of Fall River for removal and redevelopment of the former Fall River Municipal Airport into an ice manufacturing facility. The site design incorporates the needs of the facility as permitted through the FDA, including trucking, employee parking, site drainage and associated utilities. The drainage design allows connection to an existing industrial park in-street drainage system and connection to a separate drainage basin. The basin is designed to provide flow (to match existing flow) toward on-site vegetated (forested) wetlands.

The Scalabrini Center, Neighborhood Community Center, Providence, RI

LDG was retained to provide site design and permitting coordination for the development of the Scalabrini –Dukcevich Community Learning Center, a non-profit community center affiliated with The Pious Society of St. Charles Borremeo. The 16,400 sf. parcel is located in a densely populated residential area and required a design that could accommodate the 4,700 sf. facility, provide an accessible entrance and parking and include a stormwater infiltration system for maximum TSS removal and mitigation of the increased volume of runoff from the development.

DesignPak Lofts, Marlborough, MA

LDG provided site design and permitting for the redevelopment of a five-story manufacturing facility into 93 luxury apartments in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The primary site challenge was drainage reconfiguration and design. A stormwater tributary to the Sudbury Reservoir flows under the building and was owned by the State of Massachusetts as an outstanding resource water. Coordination with the state was necessary for disposition of the tributary channel. The design plans then incorporated the channel as an integral site feature while maximizing the site for parking and passive use. With the implementation of LID technologies in the drainage design, the site incorporated infiltration and TSS removal to allow for a cleaner site discharge and rainwater infiltration not prevalent prior to development. Site development and drainage design were integral to the successful redevelopment of this site.

The site permitting required legislation to be passed for the disposition of a Commonwealth of Massachusetts owned parcel which bisects the site and passes underneath the existing building carrying an outstanding resource water of the Commonwealth. Upon authorization through the legislation LDG was required to file an Environmental Notification form with the MEPA office. The site is within an Outstanding Resource Water of the Commonwealth requiring submission of a complete NPDES SWPPP with the Massachusetts DEP, DCR and MWRA for certification of stormwater discharge during and after construction. The project required rezoning of the parcel through the City of Marlborough, a Special Permit through the City Council in Marlborough, a Notice of Intent to be issued and an Order of Conditions obtained through the Marlborough Conservation Commission.

Framingham State College, Framingham, MA

• Larned Hall • LDG was retained to develop design plans to renovate the entrance of Larned Hall on the campus of Framingham State College. Of primary concern was handicapped access, both directly to the building and around campus. The design incorporated a lowered driveway peak and slope, new pathways, stairs, dumpster location, drainage design, removal of some landscaping elements, such as walls, and the addition of landscaping to update the overall campus design. LDG worked closely with the college, architect and contractor to integrate the handicapped access with the existing pathways and the overall site.

• Ecumenical Center • LDG was also retained to improve the drainage adjacent to the Larned Hall project, which was implemented to improve access throughout the campus. The site development and new pathway was inundated with stormwater flow from an area in excess of five acres in size which drained through the area. With the installation of the new access pathway, it was important that erosion be controlled and that site drainage be implemented in a manner which required minimal maintenance and was aesthetically pleasing to the project. LDG designed a LID drainage system to mitigate water velocity and use natural features and topography to control the water flow and utilize existing drainage structures for ultimate discharge of flow.

• Day Care • A day care facility in Framingham, Massachusetts hired LDG to design a new main entrance, access driveway and sidewalks. In addition, a play area with fall protection and new drainage to prevent ponding were needed. LDG utilized non-traditional fall protection with rubberized ground coatings to allow for use of the existing back yard with minimal re-grading and minimal maintenance. The design will also prevent tracking and subsequent replacement of ground cover materials. The drainage was designed to mitigate breakout flow from a surrounding hillside and allow for collection of flow from the area surrounding the existing facility and the new play surface.

Chipotle Mexican Grille, Framingham, MA

LDG was retained to retrofit an existing building with a new sewer system and separated grease removal for service to a new restaurant. The design incorporated a small pump station, grease trap and connection to an existing sewer line. Permitting was accomplished through the local Framingham water and sewer department in conjunction with discharge requirements of the MWRA.

Stone Way Subdivision, Lincoln, RI

LDG was retained to design a residential subdivision layout and design plan and was responsible for preparation of all design and permitting documents for the project. The parcel contains extensive inland wetlands and an intermittent stream which required coordination with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The use of low impact development design techniques was also required in order to develop a Master Plan the made site development feasible while at the same time not compromising the surrounding resources areas.

Single Family House, Lincoln, RI

LDG was retained to design a site plan for a single family house on a lot. The major challenge present onsite was a river which bisected the property and its associated wetlands. In order to allow for efficient development of the site and inclusion of a functional yard area, LDG prepared and submitted a zoning variance with the Lincoln Zoning Board of Appeals and an inland wetlands with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

Single Family House, Narragansett, RI

LDG prepared a site plan design for a single family house on a lot located in a zone of coastal flooding. A zoning variance was required for development of the lot, as well as a Rhode Island DEM Coastal Wetlands Permit. LDG prepared the engineering portion of the DEM application allowing for efficient development of the site and inclusion of a functional yard area.

Multi-Family Development, Lincoln, RI

LDG was retained to provide a site zoning analysis, design development, traffic analysis, permitting documents and testimony to the Lincoln Zoning Board for the demolition of a single family house and subsequent construction of a four townhouse development. The design documents incorporated utilities, site drainage and site maneuverability for emergency vehicles.

Multi-Family Development, Comprehensive Permit, Lincoln, RI

LDG prepared site zoning analysis, design development, traffic analysis, permitting documents and testimony to the Lincoln Zoning Board for the demolition of a five family structure and construction of a six townhouse development. The design documents incorporated utilities, site drainage and site maneuverability for emergency vehicles, as well as integration of the site with the surrounding historic neighborhood. The design required coordination with the Planning Board for a comprehensive permit and Rhode Island DOT for access. In addition, drainage allowing maximum infiltration and prevention of off-site impacts was included.

Commercial Building Development, North Smithfield, RI

LDG prepared the design and permitting documentation for a single building commercial redevelopment and connection to public water and sewer service with the Woonsocket, RI Water and Sewer Department.

Private Sector Expert Witness Testimony, Various Sites, MA

LDG was retained by a private attorney and associated insurance companies to investigate utility backups and breaks at various sites. LDG assessed whether the utility problems encountered at the properties were due to negligence during installation, design or maintenance in accordance with granted permits.

Private Sector Expert Witness Testimony, Various Sites, RI

LDG was retained to provide testimony on various boards in Rhode Island towns regarding drainage, traffic patterns, site development and permitting for private clients. Some testimony incorporated design documents prepared LDG while other testimony was to improve existing plans for permitting.

Xinetics, Inc., Office Park, Devens, MA

Level Design Group, L.L.C. was retained to provide civil/site design drawings and construction documents for a multiple building research and development, manufacturing and office facility within a former military base. This was the second phase of a four phase master plan completed by one of the Principals of Level Design prior to the inception of Level Design. The project included the design of driveways, on and off site utilities, parking areas, truck docks, stormwater management and landscaping. Extensive coordination with the abutters and regional planning committee was necessary due to the size of this project compared with others in the area as well as the coordination of utility modifications. Approvals were coordinated through both the Devens Enterprise Commission and MassDevelopment.

Expert Witness Services, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office

The Principals of Level Design Group have been retained to provide expert witness testimony and support for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office on behalf of various state agencies due to the takings of two properties under the Eminent Domain Statutes, and are defending the prior property owner’s appeal for additional compensation. LDG was engaged to prepare base plans and schematic development plans to establish the highest and best use of the property. This entailed research at the Registry of Deeds, review of local, state and federal regulations, determination of encumbrances and existing physical conditions. LDG provided expert testimony in court as to the highest and best use of the properties.

Wyman Gordon Company, Various Sites, Central, MA

Level Design has been retained to provide site design, drainage analysis, permitting and construction administration for a new parking lot to support a proposed building at the Wyman-Gordon Press facility in Worcester Massachusetts. This facility will serve as a new product manufacturing facility for Wyman in the Worcester Area. The design required coordination with the CSX railroad, abutting property owners and stringent requirements of all parties involved.

Level Design has been retained to survey the Wyman Gordon Grafton facility and analyze the space needs for the facility in accordance with current regulations. This project will include 180 Ac. on the ground existing conditions and property line survey.

Village Green Apartments, Barnstable, MA

Level Design has been retained to complete the construction documents and permitting required for the proposed 152 Unit Affordable Housing development in Barnstable Massachusetts. This unique site requires alternative Low Impact Development drainage technologies, such as swales and biofiltration for treatment of stormwater. Coordination with the Town of Barnstable, Barnstable Water Company and other agencies involved was crucial in the issuance of the Comprehensive permit for this project.

Corliss Commons, Attleboro, MA

Level Design has been retained to complete the construction documents and Construction Administration and Permitting Closeout for a 5 Building, 20 Unit Townhouse development. The development replaces a former automotive dealership and allows for the creation of 50% greater green space then was previously on the site. The construction requires close monitoring due to the proximity of the projects to three surrounding rivers, the Ten Mile River, Bungay Brook and Bliss Brook. Closeout will require permitting through the Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Corliss Pointe, Cumberland, RI

Level Design has been retained to complete the Construction Documents and Construction Administration for a 9 Building 35 Unit Townhouse Complex in Cumberland Rhode Island. This project was permitting by another firm through the Town and State and level Design has been retained to complete documents and permit utility connections and design development for construction purposes with the Town and State. Level Design is provided construction stakeout and construction administration as a part of this project.

Wetherell Acres Townhouse Development, Plainville, MA

Level Design Group was retained to provide the civil/site design, extensive hydraulic and hydrologic analysis and permitting for a 32 Unit Residential Townhouse development. The development includes a bridge replacement and installation of a causeway to cross the Ten Mile River and Bordering Vegetated Wetlands respectively. The project will bring water, sewer and natural gas service down the adjacent roadway thus providing sewage disposal in this environmentally sensitive area. With views of the Ten Mile river on Two Sides and Wetherell Pond the design of the drainage and roadways had to fit into the surrounding environment. Utilizing Low Impact Development Technologies and standard structured drainage in tandem provided for a development design consistent with the needs of the developer, the regulations in the Town and the nature of the lot itself.