Village Commons | South Hadley, MA
Village Commons | South Hadley, MA
The Challenge
When South Hadley’s shopping district was devastated by fire, Mount Holyoke College—the owner of the property—wanted to do more than rebuild. It sought to provide a more modern and appealing amenity to students and to achieve a return on its investment.
The ODG Approach
In the define phase, the project was conceived as a traditional New England village of 11 separate buildings that would meet the needs of contemporary retailers, all within the college’s budget. This grand vision was designed and realized over a six-year period, so changes in the development program had to be anticipated and managed as the economy and the marketplace evolved. During this time, O’Connell Development Group worked closely with world-renowned architect Graham Gund. Finally, we oversaw the leasing of the new retail shops, commercial office space, and residential units. We also provided property management until staff could be hired and trained.
The Result
The Village Commons provided a new and vital town center for both Mount Holyoke College and the entire South Hadley community, one that has even become a destination for residents from surrounding towns.
