Commercial Projects Completed
The Brown Building
Originally constructed in 1930 as a cornerstone of downtown Waterbury’s retail district, the Brown Building has been fully transformed into modern student housing directly across from the University of Connecticut. The redevelopment delivers 26 individual suites with accommodations for 100 students, each designed to support contemporary campus living.
Every two‑ and four‑bedroom suite includes a full kitchen, living room, two bathrooms, and comes fully furnished for 4–6 students. The building also features multiple shared amenities, including two lounges, two game rooms, dedicated study areas, and enhanced security systems throughout.
A new addition expanded the structure from 45,000 to more than 68,000 square feet, complemented by a newly constructed on‑site parking lot and a full elevator installation. Major infrastructure upgrades were completed as part of the renovation, including a new roof, all‑new electrical and plumbing systems, updated life‑safety equipment, over 30 security cameras, and a state‑of‑the‑art HVAC system.
The result is a fully modernized, code‑compliant student residence that preserves the building’s historic presence while delivering high‑quality housing for UConn Waterbury students.
Holland Hughes Building
Once a major downtown Waterbury department store operating from 1905 to 1997, the historic Howland‑Hughes Building sat vacant for more than 25 years before its full redevelopment. Purchased in 2018, the 125,000‑square‑foot structure was transformed into modern administrative offices and classroom space for Post University through a $15 million public–private partnership with the State of Connecticut.
The renovation included complete infrastructure replacement — new electrical systems, a backup generator, sprinklers, elevators, HVAC, and natural gas — while preserving key historic elements such as original light fixtures with updated wiring. The result is a fully modernized, code‑compliant facility that restores a landmark building to active use in the heart of downtown Waterbury.
Neil O’Leary Building
Originally built in 1898 and vacant for more than two decades, the former Odd Fellows Hall has been fully redeveloped into a 40,000‑square‑foot academic and research facility for UConn’s Allied Health Program. The renovation delivers a state‑of‑the‑art environment featuring an auditorium and global learning center, small‑group instructional and research spaces, student lounges, classrooms, and a mock hospital setting for nursing education.
This transformation expands UConn’s Waterbury Campus and provides modern, purpose‑built space to support the university’s growing medical and health‑science programs.
Horace Greeley High School Greenhouse
Chappaqua Central School District developed a first‑of‑its‑kind Sustainability Research Center on the Horace Greeley High School campus — a free‑standing, 2,000 sf, climate‑controlled, multi‑zoned glass laboratory designed for year‑round biological and ecological research. At the public‑school level, the Center is the first facility of its kind in the region.
The SRC provides students with the tools and environment needed to study plant science, ecosystems, and the impacts of climate change through hands‑on, inquiry‑based research.
J.A.C. Bld & Dev Grp. was contracted to perform the sitework, concrete, and infrastructure required to support the new facility, working in coordination with the project architects and the district’s construction management team, and all other trades involved. Our scope included foundations, utilities, grading, and the critical groundwork necessary for the successful installation of this highly specialized educational structure.
Horace Greeley High School Cafeteria Renovation
J.A.C. Building & Development Group served as the general contractor for the full gut renovation of the district’s cafeteria, working in close coordination with the architectural firm and the school district to manage logistics, phasing, and construction sequencing. The project involved complete interior demolition, new infrastructure, updated finishes, and reconfiguration of the space to support modern food‑service and student‑use requirements.
All work was executed on an accelerated schedule over the summer break, allowing the renovated cafeteria to be fully completed and turned over in time for the start of the school year.
Church of God
J.A.C. Building & Development Group served as the general contractor, working closely with the architecture firm and the congregation to complete a comprehensive renovation of the Church of God. The project modernized key areas of the facility while preserving the character and function of the worship environment.
The scope included a full renovation of the main entrance, all bathrooms, the central gathering area, and the Nave. Improvements also featured a brand‑new ADA‑compliant ramp, upgraded rear classrooms, and a completely rebuilt commercial kitchen brought up to current code. All work was completed while maintaining active coordination with church leadership to ensure the building was ready for continued community use
