Flag Day marked the beginning of construction for D&R Verona at the former Annin Flag Co. factory in Verona.
Flag Day marked the beginning of construction for D&R Verona at the former Annin Flag Co. factory in Verona.
Last Wednesday, the firm held a flag-raising ceremony before it officially began construction on the 112-unit Annin Lofts at 163 Bloomfield Ave.
“The Annin building offered a unique combination of architectural potential in an area that was ideal for a multifamily community,” Ed Russo, CEO of Russo Development, a member of D&R Verona, said. “This is completely unique from any other new construction multifamily in the region, while adding to it so that it can continue to serve Verona and surrounding communities for the next generation.”
Annin Lofts will repurpose the industrial property, which was used by Annin from 1919 until 2013, into 52-loft style units. D&R will construct a sister building to house 60 units.
The members of D&R Verona, Russo Development and Dinallo Construction, were joined by Verona Mayor Kevin Ryan at the ceremony.
“D&R understood and preserved the significance of the Annin Flag factory to our community by maintaining the original building’s façade and complementing it with a second building that fits into the neighborhood,” Ryan said. “We look forward to seeing this project come to fruition and inviting new residents to Verona once it is completed.”
D&R Verona has selected DMR Architects to design the adaptive reuse strategy as well as the sister building adjacent to the factory.
“We are very selective about the projects we embark on, especially in the multifamily sector,” Donald Dinallo, CEO and president of Dinallo Construction, said. “The Annin Flag redevelopment project will have a major and positive impact on the community, while seamlessly connecting its future purpose with its past.”
Russo Development said the design will exploit the 13-foot ceilings and high windows to complement the polished concrete floors and exposed structure and ducts.
“Annin is thrilled to have our Verona building in the hands of such competent and respected builders and developers,” Carter Beard, CEO and president of Annin Flag, said. “We are confident they will produce a great product that will carry the name Annin Lofts proudly.”
Annin Lofts will consist of studio, one- and two-bedroom units. Community amenities will include rooftop terraces, a club room and underground parking. D&R said it anticipates move-ins to begin in the fall of 2018.
Annin Flag was founded in 1847 by Benjamin and Edward Annin. The company, which operated in Verona for almost 100 years, supplied flags through the Civil War, World War II and for the Apollo 11 lunar mission.
