Braintree Property Firm Takes Over Factory Turned Loft Dorm at Fitchburg State

Peabody Properties, Inc. – a Braintree-based real estate firm managing in excess of 14,000 properties throughout New England – today announced that the firm will manage Simonds Hall, a state-of-the-art, loft-style student residence located near the Fitchburg State University campus, the commuter rail and downtown Fitchburg.  The hall will provide off-campus housing for 154 Fitchburg State University students beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year.

According to Peabody Properties President, Karen Fish-Will, Simonds Hall, a former factory, provides much-needed housing for Fitchburg State University’s growing student population and serves as a lively addition to the neighborhood.  Simonds Hall is the latest addition to Peabody Properties’ diverse portfolio which includes luxury apartments, senior and veteran’s housing, assisted living communities and low income residences.  Peabody Properties was chosen to help market and manage Simonds Hall based on the firm’s reputation in the marketplace and the excellent reviews provided by industry professionals and residents alike.  “We welcome the opportunity to manage Simonds Hall and look forward to working closely with the students, the university and the Fitchburg community at large,” said Fish-Will.

Simonds Hall is a co-ed fully accessible residence consisting of 39 furnished three and four bedroom suites, which include in-unit bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens and spacious dining areas. The air conditioned, cable-ready suites also feature 12’ ceilings, oversized windows and high-speed Internet. The building provides common living spaces that encourage social interaction and accommodate study groups.  Additional amenities include laundry facilities, on-site parking, live-in staff and security systems. 

Just a short walk from Fitchburg State University’s upper campus, restaurants, banks, shops and the public transportation system, Simonds Hall offers students a comfortable, cost-effective and convenient off-campus housing option. 

According to Fitchburg State University President, Robert V. Antonucci, “The University is thrilled to see this historic building, which has long been in disrepair, elegantly transformed into housing for students who prefer the off-campus experience.”  Antonucci added that the project dovetails the University’s own efforts to beautify and connect the North Street corridor with downtown Fitchburg. 

The $11 million renovation project transformed a long abandoned but historically significant factory into a modern student housing complex.  Armor plate shielding used for World War I rapid-fire gun carriages, trains and armored cars were once manufactured in the 94 year-old brick building. 

According to Fitchburg Mayor, Lisa Wong, Simonds Hall is a great example of the innovative development of Fitchburg’s historic buildings.  "This project is one of the first student housing developments within the Student Housing Overlay District and furthers our goal to connect Fitchburg State Students with downtown Fitchburg," said Mayor Wong.

A limited number of units remain available for lease for the upcoming fall semester.  Rent is currently priced at $700 per month, per student, and includes utilities.  Contact the Peabody Properties leasing office at 978-342-7300 or visit simondshallstudenthousing.comfor additional information.

–Peabody Properties