Developer WinnCompanies sought to transform three of the nine industrial buildings within the former Farr Alpaca Company Mill complex into 88 affordable apartment homes for seniors aged 55 and older. Considered one of Holyoke’s most prominent historic properties, the complex represents a fundamental chapter in the city’s industrial and cultural heritage.
Originally constructed between 1880 and 1905, the buildings sat vacant for decades after the mills closed mid-century. This two-phase redevelopment aimed to provide much-needed affordable housing for the community while also delivering an economic boost to downtown Holyoke.
The adaptive reuse project relied in part on state and federal Historic Tax Credits, which required strict design approvals from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). Exposed brick walls, heavy timber framing, and expansive industrial windows were integral to preserving the mill’s historic physical identity.
Beyond the historic requirements, WinnCompanies designed the project to be 100% electric and to meet the sustainability criteria of Enterprise Green Communities, the national standard for green affordable housing that prioritizes energy efficiency, climate resilience, and resident health.
To satisfy both the historical oversight and the strict thermal performance demands of an allelectric building, Universal engineered custom, high-performance window replicas for over 300 openings using its 550 Double Hung Series.
Universal technicians created the replica windows using original historical drawings and the physical components from the aging frames to precisely match the original profiles, sightlines, and rail details. To save time and maintain quality control, the massive (4’ X 6’ for each sash) windows were assembled in the shop, and the panning was pre-attached to reproduce the old molding of the building. Instead of complex on-site assembly, the installers anchored the assembled frame into the opening and lifted the heavy sashes into place.
The completed Residences on Appleton are a model of energy efficiency and historic preservation, earning the 2026 Paul & Niki Tsongas Award from Preservation Massachusetts.
The building is 100% electric and powered by the City of Holyoke’s clean municipal hydropower system. “Residences on Appleton is a testament to our caring and respect for Holyoke’s seniors,” said Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia at the January 2026 ribbon-cutting. “The City’s partnership with WinnCompanies has brought about a model development that will continue to inspire private entrepreneurs to work with municipal leaders.”
