André Barbour Named Top Young Professional by ENR
André Barbour, NEI’s Diversity and Inclusion Director, has been named to ENR’s National Top 20 Under 40 for 2024 as well as their New England “Top Young Professionals” list. Barbour helps to drive the participation of local, emerging women- and minorityowned construction firms on all NEI projects, as well as create an expanded recruitment and workforce development drive to hire workers from the communities where projects are located.
Barbour’s efforts to promote equitable workforce utilization in construction has resulted in hundreds of people from local communities being employed on construction projects over the past five years. Since he joined NEI, the company has constructed over $400 million in affordable housing in the city of Boston. With Barbour’s dedication and commitment to equity and inclusion, over $170 million (43%) has gone to minority-owned businesses and over $50 million (13%) has gone to women-owned businesses.
The ENR “Top Young Professionals” program recognizes individuals who are not only industry leaders, but also passionate about their communities, bringing energy and innovation to the regions where they live. Barbour was recognized at ENR’s Emerging Leaders Forum, where he joined an impressive roster of twenty A/E/C all-stars who have achieved a great deal at a relatively young age.
“André has been a force of nature for our company since joining NEI, and has helped fuel significant opportunities for business owners within historically underserved populations,” said Joe Rettman, President, NEI General Contracting. “This latest recognition for André comes as no surprise to those of us that work with him, but we are excited for the industry at large to see how impactful his work has been.”
André is actively involved with many communitybased organizations, vocational schools and career training programs and institutions. He actively serves on the City of Boston’s Black Men & Boys Commission, is a Chairperson for Building & Property Maintenance Vocation program at Madison Park Vocation Technical High School and has recently been appointed as a Board Member for the Massachusetts Minority Contractors Association.
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Historic Knox Building Gets New Life with 96 Units of Affordable Housing
The site of the Knox Automobile Company in Springfield, MA has been converted into 96 units of affordable housing. The project involved the adaptive reuse of a four-story, 58,356 SF mill building plus the new construction of a leasing/management building.
The Knox Automobile Company was a leading manufacturer of gasoline engine vehicles during the first two decades of the 20th century. The company built touring cars, delivery vehicles, and fire trucks. Built in three phases starting in the 1890s, the building was vacant for 50 years prior to its redevelopment, was structurally unsafe, and was in complete disrepair.
Knox Residences is part of a larger redevelopment effort by First Resource Development which includes
a vision for the whole Mason Square neighborhood, from the former Indian Motorcycle factory and Mason Square fire station to the former Massachusetts Career Development Institute, which burned in a 2017 arson fire.
The project was developed with a focus on safety and offers ample nighttime lighting, extensive security cameras in common areas and outside, and videos for residents to see visitors ringing doors. With a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom workforce housing units, Knox Residences will help to satisfy a tremendous need for affordable housing in the city of Springfield.
COVER STORY PAGE 4 [ NEI QUARTERLY Q1 | 2024 ]
Thank You to the Team
OWNER: First Resource Development
ARCHITECTS: The Architectural Team
OPM: WaypointKLA
NEI PROJECT TEAM: PX: Antonio Tenreiro. SPM: Joe Cavallaro. PM: Marco Delvecchio. GEN SUPT: Bill Young. SR SUPT: Joe Avey. SUPT: Brian McCourt. ASST SUPT: Guilherme Boff. ASST SUPT: Dante Flori. ADMIN: Karen Dempsey. COMPLIANCE: Jordan Pomare. RISK: Patti Roche.
ENGINEERING: MEP/FP: Wozny Barbar & Associates. CIVIL: Nitsch Engineering. STRUCTURAL: LIM Consultants. GEOTECHNICAL: McPhail Associates.
HISTORICAL CONSULTANT: VHB
WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM: Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund Board, The Property and Casualty Initiative, LLC, WNC Holdings, LLC, Department of Housing and Community Development, MHIC
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Carolyn Sicard Chief Estimator
What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
Over the past year, taking on a project in a new market, has been both a significant challenge and a major achievement for me. Despite unfamiliar territory I was able to tackle the task with determination. The project is now in full swing, and I'm confident that the diligent efforts put into estimating and procurement will play a crucial role in our team's success. Embracing these challenges has been a positive learning experience, highlighting our adaptability and resilience in achieving goals even in uncharted territory.
What is your favorite / most beneficial part of Women in Construction week?
This year’s Women in Construction Week holds special significance for my family as my husband, Jean, and I are proud parents of two daughters who are pursuing careers in the construction industry. Both secured Co-Ops this summer, with one venturing into the role of a field engineer with aspirations of becoming a Superintendent. Meanwhile, the other embarked on a Co-Op journey with a Developer dedicated to providing the community with diverse housing solutions, including affordable, mixed-income, market-rate, and historical apartment communities.
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Danielle Camporini
Assistant Superintendent
What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
My highlight at NEI last year was working on the Maple on Franklin project in Holbrook, MA. It was my first project with NEI, offering valuable learning experiences alongside a supportive team and owner. This opportunity introduced me to construction in a great way, setting a strong foundation for my future in the industry.
Who or what inspired you to join the AEC industry?
My childhood love for designing buildings led me to the AEC industry. While I initially focused on design, I soon wanted the hands-on experience of turning ideas into reality. This shift allowed me to see the tangible impact of construction, from blueprint to creation. I find joy in bringing spaces to life, creating environments that inspire and endure.
Jess Morrissey
Associate Director of
Preconstruction Services
What has been the driving force behind your success in the AEC industry?
My success in the AEC industry boils down to perseverance and a genuine smile. Staying positive not only breaks the ice but also helps in fostering relationships. This optimistic approach fosters collaboration, making communication smoother and goals more achievable. The blend of resilience and friendliness has consistently worked well, creating an atmosphere where challenges are met head-on, and tasks are completed with a sense of teamwork.
Who or what inspired you to join the AEC industry?
My journey into the AEC industry was somewhat of a happy accident. Initially I was drawn to the field through an accounting role and my trajectory took an unexpected turn when I transitioned to a field-based position. It was in this hands-on environment that my passion for construction truly blossomed, revealing a newfound love and appreciation for the intricacies of the AEC industry.
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