Carpenters Union Building

After a decade of searching for the new site of their headquarters, the New England Regional Council of Carpenters (NERCC) decided on a building that was able to unite people from multiple locations in South Boston and Brighton.

RDK joined forces with architect and design firm ADD Inc and provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, audio-visual, and commissioning services for the new center located between 1-93 and Dorchester Avenue. With the creation of this new three-story building, fully equipped with a 30-foot LED sign that is used to promote the carpentry trade, motorists on the Southeast Expressway have a new landmark to appreciate on their commutes in and out of Boston.

The facility was converted from an abandoned two-story industrial building to a three-story, 75,000 SF center which will train 2,000 students per year. In addition to student classrooms, the renovated space also contains state-of-the-art offices, a conveniently located bank, and an eye-care center for union members. The center also includes energy-efficient lighting features such as incandescent lights with motion sensors and automatic shut-off. The success of this project was so important to its occupants that many of the union carpenters volunteered their time to help construct the building.

The Association of Energy Engineers New England selected the Carpenters Center as a recipient for their annual Chapter Energy Project Award. This award honors projects with energy-conscious design. The Carpenters Center was recognized for its outstanding use of energy and energy savings.

“RDK Engineers has long been committed to sustainable and energy-efficient design practices,” said RDK principal Pat Murphy. “The RDK project team truly enjoyed partnering with the New England Regional Council of Carpenters and ADD Inc on a center that was designed to suit the needs of everyone in the Carpenters’ Union. We are proud to have been a part of this unique opportunity.”

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