Cutler Associates, a Worcester-based, east-coast design and construction firm, recently began construction on five projects totaling more than $40 million in new contracts.

The projects span the firm’s three core markets and include a new production and office facility for Rand-Whitney, a clean room addition for Nypro, Inc., the Residences at Christopher Heights assisted living facility, a new residence hall for Mount IdaCollege and a residence hall renovation at the University of New Hampshire.

“We are honored that these customers have trusted us to design and build these important projects,” said Fred Mulligan, president of Cutler Associates. “We are known for efficiently delivering these types of buildings, and we are excited to get started.”

Designed by Cutler Design using design-build delivery, Cutler is constructing a 290,000-square-foot, tilt-wall complex for Rand Whitney, an industry leader in corrugated container manufacturing. Following 10 months of construction, the new facility is scheduled for completion in May of 2008.

Together with architect Cutler Design, the firm is completing its second major construction project for Nypro, Inc., which includes the creation of a 16,000-square-foot clean room classified to ISO Class 8 standards.

Construction recently began on the 83-unit Residences at Christopher Heights, which is reclaiming the long-abandoned, former Frye Boot site. The steel-framed, senior assisted living facility is designed by SMOOK Architecture & Urban Design, Inc., and is scheduled to be completed in March.

Along with architect DiMella Shaffer, Cutler Associates is completing its second design-build residence hall project for the University of New Hampshire. The 126-bed, gut renovation of the 1915-built Fairchild Hall will maintain the historic charm of the building, while upgrading the systems and amenities to meet the needs of modern students.

Cutler is teaming with Finegold Alexander + Associates architects to design and construct a state-of-the-art, 136-bed residence hall for Mount Ida College. The complex boasts an innovative design, modern technologies, and energy efficient features. The project is being completed on a fast-tracked schedule for completion in July of 2008.