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SHA Headquarters Improvements

New Green Gateway at Saab Court, Flowers to Bloom in the Spring

New Green Gateway at Saab Court, Flowers to Bloom in the Spring

New Green Gateway at Saab Court, Flowers to Bloom in the Spring

Saab Ct. – After Landscaping Project

The crumbling masonry and overgrown shrubs are a thing of the past at Saab Court, and residents are now looking forward to bright daffodils, day lilies, blue holly, pansies, and much more in the spring of 2012.

The landscaping project was done in just two weeks in late November outside of the Springfield Housing Authority headquarters, in an effort to spruce up an area that was heading into disrepair. Agency Executive Director William H. Abrashkin said the effort is aimed at brightening up the grounds for residents, employees and the many visitors who pass through the doors of this development.

“With this new landscaping, Saab Court will be attractive, inviting and colorful: Good for the spirits of all in the area,” Abrashkin said. “The old landscaping and surrounding masonry were deteriorated and presented a hazard. The plantings were unattractive and uninviting. Our primary motivation was to give our residents a more attractive entry way, and to brighten up the place they call home,” he said.

The work involved the removal of masonry walls that had been standing for decades, and were beginning to show signs of severe wear. The new landscaping was designed by Stephen Roberts Landscaping, a local company. Northeast Grounds Management, also based in Springfield, performed the work in two phases: The removal of the old walls and plantings, and the planting of the new.

New Green Gateway at Saab Court, Flowers to Bloom in the Spring

Saab Ct. – Before Landscaping Project

Residents at Saab Court, a development for elderly and disabled residents, gave praise to the workers and the work. They look forward to spring, when vivid colors will surely brighten the winter-weary. “It’ll look so nice when the flowers come up,” said Milka Perez. “It will be better than it was before. It was getting messy, not so nice,” she said.

Perez said residents and SHA staff work hard to keep the grounds and common areas free of debris and clutter. Having new plantings will enhance the natural beauty of the grounds, located in the Metro Center neighborhood of Springfield.

Abrashkin said many SHA employees helped guide the process of the project, including Sean F. Cahillane, real estate development project administrator who served as manager, and Nicole Contois, deputy executive director, Wallace Kisiel, deputy executive director, Rosa Lebron, public safety manager, Celina Correa, District D property manager, Jose Torres, District D foreman, and Frida Venage, Saab Court Resident Council president. Alan Popp of the Mason-Wright Foundation also provided suggestions.

Abrashkin said the improved grounds make a nice welcome for all at Saab Court. “This is the main entrance to the executive offices of a $35 million business. We have many professional visitors and business guests as well as others. We hope to continue improving the landscaping throughout the SHA in coming years,” Abrashkin said.

4494 days ago / SHA Headquarters Improvements
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