Barrows Street Cottages - Site Work

This project entails comprehensive site preparation and development to support the construction of five modular cottages on full foundations on CITY owned land at 22 Barrows Street. Each of the five cottages will consist of two prefabricated modules supplied and installed by Preferred Building Systems of Claremont, NH, providing approximately 900 square feet of finished living space. Attics will be inaccessible, and basements will be left unfinished for future owner completion.

The scope of site work includes clearing and grubbing to remove vegetation and debris, followed by excavation and earthwork to achieve the required site grades. Grading and compaction will be performed to ensure proper drainage and stable base conditions per geotechnical recommendations. Underground utilities—stormwater, sanitary sewer, water lines, and electrical/communication conduits—will be installed. Erosion and sediment control measures will be implemented to meet environmental regulations. Site access will be developed through the construction of roads, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. The scope also includes subgrade preparation for foundations and paving, backfilling around structures, and final grading to direct drainage appropriately. Throughout the project, site safety and traffic control measures will be maintained to ensure a secure construction environment.

CITY staff, supported by an experienced project manager, will act as the general contractor. The CITY will directly contract with all other sub-contractors (electrical, mechanical, finish carpentry, etc.). Both CITY personnel and the project manager have substantial experience with modular construction.

The CITY is initiating the contractor selection process now, but will not authorize the work to proceed to construction until after City Council approval, which is anticipated in January 2026. The CITY reserves the right to cancel the project at any time and for any reason.

The CITY is undertaking this project to provide an opportunity for CITY employees to purchase lower cost housing. The CITY’s sales arrangement will keep the cottages available and affordable for future CITY employee owners if the original CITY employee owners elect to sell their cottage in the future. The cottages will be sold at cost to the first CITY employee owners.