Project Overview
Located in the Bradford neighborhood of Haverhill, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, The James Apartments is a newly completed 153-unit luxury multi-family community developed by Princeton Ward Hill LLC. Completed in 2025, the project introduces modern apartment living to one of the Merrimack Valley’s most desirable residential areas.
Design Collaboration
Planning for the project began in 2023, when Quality Stone Veneer began working alongside long-time partners Pilot Construction and R.A. Schaefer & D.M. White Architects to develop the exterior stone veneer package.
The goal was to create a stone façade that would complement the modern architectural design while delivering long-term durability and moisture performance appropriate for New England’s demanding weather conditions.
Mechanically Fastened Clip System™ Stone Installation
During the project design phase, updates to the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) introduced new moisture management requirements for Climate Zones Moist A and Marine C, which includes much of the eastern United States.
Under these code updates, manufactured stone veneer systems must include a drainage space of at least 3/16" behind the veneer to properly manage water infiltration.
Climate Zones A & Marine C – Moisture Management Requirements
Given the climate conditions in Massachusetts—where buildings experience significant rainfall, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles—the project team prioritized a system that would exceed these requirements and provide long-term façade performance.
For this reason, QSV’s patented Clip System™ installation method was selected for the project.
The Clip System™ Advantage
The Clip System™, engineered and patented by QSV, is a mechanically fastened stone veneer installation designed specifically to address moisture management and installation efficiency.
Unlike traditional mortar and wire lath installations, the Clip System™ secures stone panels using a mechanical clip and screw attachment system.
This system provided several key advantages in this project, including:
Superior Drainage Performance
The Clip System™ creates a 3/8-inch drainage cavity behind the stone veneer, significantly exceeding the 3/16-inch drainage space required by the 2021 IBC.
Improved Moisture Management
This open drainage cavity is free and clear, allowing water to drain freely behind the façade, reducing the risk of trapped moisture and drastically improving long-term wall assembly performance. Additionally, less perforations in the building envelope are required.
All-Season Construction
Mortar and wire lath installations are heavily dependent on weather conditions. In colder climates like New England, mortar installations can require winter tenting and supplemental heating when temperatures fall below 40°F to ensure proper curing.
The Clip System™, by contrast, allows installation to continue in colder conditions because it does not rely on mortar adhesion to secure the stone.
Products Featured in this Case Study:
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Quality Stone Veneer is a certified American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Provider.
