Melmark New England Commits to Riverwalk

LAWRENCE, MA – Riverwalk Properties has a new tenant moving in, but they will not be unloading traditional office supplies into their space. Melmark New England signed a fiveyear lease for 4,200-sf of at the redevelopment mill complex this past week. The new tenant will use the location as a home for their adult day program serving students at Melmark New England, according to the landlord, Lupoli Cos., which announced the agreement in a press release.

Melmark New England is a clinical, educational, residential and vocational program focused on helping children and young adults with special needs in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The school’s focus includes autism spectrum disorders, acquired brain injuries, neurological diseases and severe challenging behaviors. While the school operates out of Andover, the Lawrence location will provide a specific purpose by housing Melmark’s adult day program for students over the age of 22.

Riverwalk will allow the adult students to continue receiving their services and support away from the Melmark campus. “After seeing the exposed brick, natural light and great potential for program space at Riverwalk, it was an easy choice to develop the site of Melmark New England’s first adult day program there,” explains Helena Maguire, Senior Director of School Services for Melmark New England. She says the location of Riverwalk is ideal for students and staff alike because of its immediate proximity to Interstate 495, as well as the support they have received from the Lupoli Cos. and other Riverwalk tenants.

Riverwalk is equally enthusiastic about the new relationship, according to officials at the firm founded by namesake Salvatore N. Lupoli. “We are extremely optimistic about Melmark’s plan for future growth here at Riverwalk,” says Lawrence Bergman, leasing broker at the complex. Melmark’s program will include vocational training, community engagement and daily living activities for its clients. For Riverwalk, Melmark’s pilot program is another innovative use of space in the repurposed mill site that has undergone dramatic changes and the arrival of a diverse mix of occupants and ancillary uses such as retail. Financial details of the Melmark lease were not divulged. 

By Joe Clememts  •  February 18, 2016  •  The Real Reporter  •  Original Article