JCHE's Shillman House: Building Community

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Shillman House Chronicles #37

In the basement of Shillman House, workmen are busy putting in the controls and monitoring systems associated with the Shillman geothermal wells. Ten on-site geothermal wells will be used with energy efficient ground-source heat pumps to provide efficient and cost-effective heating and cooling for the building. Installation of the wiring, sensors and probes is underway.

The Shillman House Bistro is now functioning as a work space for finish millwork. But, soon it will be a destination meeting place for our future residents to relax, enjoy breakfast, share a laugh over a cup of coffee and just hang out.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Shillman House Chronicles #36

Construction of the Shillman House interior is moving into the final stretches. The carpets are being installed and the lighting is in. There are so many beautiful details. Here's a view from the elevator lobby, looking toward the reception desk and the building's main entry. The space is bright and spacious. Soon the place will be bustling with residents and activity.

The Shillman kitchen equipment has arrived! Imagine the wonderful meals that will be lovingly prepared for our residents each day from this professional and modern kitchen. David Seltzer, JCHE's Director of Dining Services, says "The kitchen looks incredible. I cannot wait to get in there and start cooking!"

Friday, March 11, 2011

Shillman House Chronicles #35

This is a shot of the Media Center. It will have built-in computer stations with shelving for supplies. The adjacent wall (not shown) is all windows, so the lighting is inviting. It's easy to envision that someday soon, there will be residents taking a class here or searching the Web.

Here is a view from the common area corridor into the future convenience store. Glass is being installed on the door and windows. This will be a very handy spot when residents are seeking a sandwich, an apple and other grocery items.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Shillman House Chronicles #34

Thanks to Millie Tubman and Circle Furniture, we have furnished a model apartment. The space (which we all thought was lovely bare!) really shines when decorated. According to Millie, "When thinking of furnishings for the model apartments, I wanted to use furniture pieces that would allow possibilities and options for individual and personal choices. I tried to create beautiful and cheerful spaces that were comfortable as well as functional. It was important to make the apartments feel homey and inviting for everyday living. I wanted to show how color and nice furniture could create a wonderful home even in a small space."

Friday, February 11, 2011

Shillman House Chronicles #33

The mailroom for Shillman House residents is just to the right of the building's entrance. The mailboxes are built-ins with nice features. The paint, lighting and woodwork in this area make it an attractive space to run into neighbors when picking up the mail! Just beyond the mailroom, you can see the Shillman House offices.

Even the bathrooms are beautiful! They are spacious with modern fixtures, a large walk-in shower with a bench, maple cabinets, granite countertops, lovely lighting, heat lamp and an emergency pull cord. And like other rooms in the apartment, the closet space is generous.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Shillman House Chronicles: Entry #32

Over the past month, there has been amazing progress in the construction of Shillman House, most of it occurring inside. The common area is coming alive. New paint, millwork, doors, and lighting. It's just beautiful!

The Shillman House library will be an inviting -- and very well lit -- destination for our future residents to gather. The built-in bookshelves will soon be filled with interesting books and other materials to read and enjoy. Note the built-in newspaper rack all the way on the right. It will soon be filled with the Framingham Tab, Metrowest Daily News and Boston Globe!