• 1. Where does ODG operate and what markets do you serve?

    • Retail / Commercial: Design and development of shopping and commercial spaces—including mixed-use and standalone retail destinations 
    • Lab / Life Science: Purpose-built facilities for biotechnology and research organizations 
    • Environmental Clean-Up (Brownfield Remediation): Revitalizing underused, contaminated, or industrial land by cleaning and redeveloping it into active, sustainable properties
    • Office Development: Projects ranging from corporate headquarters to flexible office environments, focusing on modern workplace needs 
    • Multi-Family Residential: Development of housing communities across various affordability levels—from luxury apartments to subsidized housing

  • 2. What is included in ODG’s project feasibility services?

    O’Connell Development Group’s project feasibility services evaluate whether a development is viable, financially sound, and aligned with regulatory and community factors. Their services include:

    • Market Analysis: Studies local demand, competition, and target demographics.
    • Financial Feasibility: Develops proformas, cost estimates, projections, and funding strategies.
    • Site & Regulatory Review: Assesses zoning, infrastructure, environmental constraints, and permitting requirements.
    • Risk Assessment: Identifies potential challenges and outlines mitigation strategies.
    • Community & Political Factors: Evaluates stakeholder dynamics and opportunities for public support or incentives.
    • Development Strategy: Recommends phasing, land use, and long-term planning approaches.
    • The goal is to give clients a clear, data-driven picture of a project’s potential before moving forward.
       

  • 3. How does ODG support approvals, permitting, and community outreach?

    O’Connell Development Group (ODG) supports approvals, permitting, and community outreach by managing the entire process from start to finish. 

    • Plan and coordinate all required permits across local, state, and federal agencies.
    • Prepare and submit applications, working closely with engineers, architects, and consultants.
    • Liaise with permitting bodies (e.g., planning boards, zoning commissions) and attend hearings to navigate reviews and revisions.
    • Develop mitigation strategies to address environmental, traffic, or zoning challenges.
    • Engage the community early, organizing public meetings and responding to feedback.
    • Build relationships with stakeholders and local officials to align the project with community goals and smooth the path to approval.
    • This comprehensive approach helps reduce delays, gain public support, and ensure regulatory compliance.

  • 4. Can ODG manage architecture and engineering design for development projects?

    O’Connell Development Group (ODG) can manage architecture and engineering design for development projects. 

    • Collaborate with top-tier architects and engineers to create site-specific, functional, and sustainable designs.
    • Oversee the design process from concept to construction documents.
    • Ensure plans meet zoning, code, environmental, and operational requirements.
    • Coordinate design with budgeting, permitting, and construction schedules.
    • Their management ensures that design aligns with project goals, timelines, and budgets.

  • 5. What was ODG’s role in the PeoplesBank redevelopment project?

    O’Connell Development Group (ODG), in collaboration with its affiliated company Western Builders, played a pivotal role in the redevelopment of the historic Yankee Pedlar Inn into the Pedlar Banking Center for PeoplesBank in Holyoke, Massachusetts. This project exemplified a blend of historic preservation and modern banking facilities.

    ODG's Contributions:

    • Development Leadership: ODG guided PeoplesBank through the acquisition and redevelopment process, transforming a challenging site into a functional banking center. 
    • Historic Preservation: The team restored the original Hildreth House, built in 1882, to its Queen Anne style by removing mid-20th-century alterations. The iconic wraparound porch, a hallmark of the original structure, was carefully recreated. 
    • Modern Integration: A new rear addition was constructed to house the bank's lobby, teller counters, support offices, and a drive-thru canopy, seamlessly integrating with the historic building. 

    This redevelopment not only preserved a significant piece of Holyoke's architectural heritage but also provided a modern, functional space for PeoplesBank and the community.

     

  • 6. How does ODG’s team collaborate across disciplines?

    O’Connell Development Group (ODG) fosters strong cross-disciplinary collaboration by integrating expertise from development, construction, architecture, engineering, and property management teams. This integrated approach helps ODG deliver well-coordinated, successful development projects.

    • Promote early and continuous communication among planners, designers, engineers, and builders.
    • Coordinate workflows to align design, budgeting, permitting, and construction schedules.
    • Leverage in-house and external specialists to address complex challenges seamlessly.
    • Use collaborative problem-solving to optimize project outcomes and reduce delays.
    • Ensure all disciplines work toward shared goals of quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.

  • 7. How can I get in touch with O’Connell Development Group?

    Contact Information:

    Website Contact Page:
    Visit their official site and use the contact form:
    /contact

    Phone:
    Call their main office at:
    (413) 534-0234

    Mailing Address:
    O’Connell Development Group
    800 Kelly Way
    Holyoke, MA 01040

    Inquiries regarding future development opportunities please email Eric Samuels at [email protected]

    Questions about our current or previous projects please email Danuel Sullivan at [email protected]

    All general inquiries please contact Laura Tereso at [email protected]