Westwood-based Essex Builders Corp. has secured a $3.6 million contract to construct a 25,000-square-foot, mixed- use development in Cambridge.

Just-A-Start Corp., which assists working and retired families in Cambridge and surrounding Metro North communities, awarded Essex Builders the contract to build Elm Place.

The architect, VMY Vitols Architects Inc. of Newton, prepared construction documents employing a conceptual design developed by Dingman Allison Architects Inc. of Cambridge. The 4-story building will incorporate retail space on the ground level with 19 residential units.

"We are excited to be entering the construction phase of this project," said Gordon Gottsche, executive director of Just-A-Start. "Our non-profit program works hard to meet the housing needs of the Cambridge community and is fortunate to have the city’s support not only on this development but in all our endeavors.

"Repeat business during our 25 year history is a trend that we are very proud of. We recognize our clients have options and do not take their patronage for granted," said David O’Neil, president of Essex Builders. "Essex Builders has successfully completed several projects for Just-A-Start, and yet even when Elm Place was competitively bid, we still came through."