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After months of expectation, finally, Robert Ansin, President/CEO
MassInnovation opened the doors of the massive structure that is
the Worsted Wood Mill, located alongside Merrimack Street, for a
preview of what its lofts are going to look like.
On a large screen, Ansin went over the history of his childhood
in a PowerPoint presentation. Growing up in Fitchburg, MA, where
his grandfather used to own shoe factories, he remembers going
around noisy machinery. Today, the factories are silent and he is
converting those very same buildings into housing.
According to Ansin, almost 800 people have signed up on the
Preferred Buyer List since December 2005, to receive a big deal at
their April pre-construction event. Ansin said that Ed and Joannie
Warnshuis from Andover, was the first couple to make a down
payment for a loft at the old Wood Mill, in Lawrence. “I’m going
to frame that first down payment for good luck”, said Ansin.
The PowerPoint preview, showed two apartments, one on the lower
floors and one at the rooftop. “These apartments are going for
$400,000 and are the ones attracting most of the attention”, said
Ansin.
According to Lawrence Mayor Michael J. Sullivan, when he first met
Robert Ansin, he thought: “This guy has no clue.” (“Thank you,
Mayor,” interrupted Ansin.) “But what you have seen and heard
tonight is what he has had in mind since the beginning. He has
energized the city, bringing this building back to life. Lawrence
needs Bob Ansin,” said the Mayor.
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