Pierce Building

The Pierce Building is a historic keystone of the Upham’s Corner business district in Dorchester.

The Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation is the leading local neighborhood housing developer and owner of the Pierce.  Federal and state historic tax credits helped pay for an overdue major renovation of the Pierce.  We were brought in to lead a talented team of consultants and contractors in the design and construction of this remarkable turn-around.

We addressed fundamental structural problems, water-management issues, and deteriorating facade elements while replacing missing historic features and windows.  The building was brought to ADA compliance, and mechanical systems, lighting and interior finishes were all replaced.

 

Awards:
2023 Award Winner
Boston Preservation Alliance
Mayor Thomas M. Menino
Legacy Award 2023
Preservation Massachusetts

 

Owner: Dorchester Bay EDC

Owner Representative: Anser Advisory

Contractor: Kaplan Construction

Structural: Structures North

MEP: Wozny Barbar and Associates

Lighting: Bartholomew Lighting

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Essential Partners

 

Essential Partners is a non-profit that works to foster “constructive conversation where there is conflict driven by differences in identity, beliefs, and values.”   We worked with the Essential Partners team to determine their spatial needs and program requirements, and then crafted an open, collaborative workspace for them.

 

We worked with interior designer Justina Peregrin to create a welcoming atmosphere while retaining the ability for small groups to split off for private work sessions.  The central open office is bordered by private workspaces, and features a cozy lounge for informal work sessions.   A conference room and kitchen space can be separated by a FilzFelt curtain that adds a colorful accent to the room. RAB Lighting provided invaluable assistance and excellent fixtures to round out the space.

 

Client: Essential Partners

Interior Design: Justina Peregrin

Lighting Consultant: RAB Lighting

Management/Contractor: Vast Capital

 

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Hyde Square Task Force

This dynamic and successful youth organization is in the process of renovating a turn-of-the-century Catholic School building into their new headquarters. HSTF engaged Boehm Architecture to plan and facilitate a community-based design process in order to generate ideas and build consensus toward a sustainable renovation vision.

The project includes interior renovations to accommodate a dance studio, music studio suite, exercise room, meeting spaces, classrooms and staff offices, as well as building shell and system improvements, and accessibility modifications. The final design is inclusive of the goals and concerns of the entire HSTF community of youth, staff and organizational overseers, optimizing the creative experience while maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability.

 

Client: Hyde Square Task Force
Owner’s Representative: David Soloman

 

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Boston Architectural College

The BAC is the oldest and largest architectural program in New England, offering evening courses to working students. Our long-time affiliation with the College led to an opportunity to assist with an expansion of their studio spaces.

A 5,000 square foot industrial loft space was completely renovated into studios, classrooms and review spaces. Custom lighting shields, bold colors, and durable materials give character to this budget-conscious interior fit-out.

 

Contractor: CalDor Construction
Photography: Douglas Stefanov

 

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Union Crossing

Union Crossing is a 100,000 sf converted mill building in the North Canal district of Lawrence, Massachusetts. The owner, Lawrence CommunityWorks, is a nonprofit community development corporation working to transform and revitalize the physical, economic, and social landscape of Lawrence.

We were brought into the project to help transform the two lower floors of the building into a mix of office, commercial, and creative uses. We performed feasibility studies for prospective tenants, while incrementally fitting out lease spaces within the two 20,000 sf floor plates. Artist studios [Creative Work Spaces], a Financial Stability Center and Legal Services [Northeast Legal Aid] offices now occupy the upper floor – enjoying historic mill-building aesthetics contrasted with contemporary finishes, and spectacular views of the Merrimack River.

 

Client: Lawrence CommunityWorks
Contractor: Landmark Structures
MEP: Norian/Siani

 

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RTH Flynn Kitchen

The Flynn Kitchen is the senior activity center for the community of Mission Park – a diverse, 1000-person ‘neighborhood within a neighborhood’ in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The ‘Kitchen’ is the home base and popular gathering spot for the several hundred senior citizen residents of this community, as well as a suite for bingo, mahjong, classes, and movement programs.

We worked closely with program staff and directors to completely renovate the 1200 sq ft. center to create a more functional, comfortable and contemporary space. This interior fit-out includes a new seating bay with integrated planters, connecting the space to the adjacent public plaza and bringing natural lighting and fresh air to the busy center.

 

Client: Roxbury Tenants of Harvard
Contractor: Callahan Construction
MEP: Norian/Siani

 

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Lena Park Community Center

Lena Park Community Development Corporation is an important provider of community programs for youth and families in Mattapan and Roxbury.  Looking to renew their mission and facilities, they decided to sell a portion of their historic building to finance the creation of a new community center.

We initially came into the project to undertake an extensive building evaluation study of the 8,000 sf basement level of a 1950’s gymnasium building.  This included determining historic preservation issues, performing a structural evaluation, and assessing mechanical systems, as well as preparing a preliminary design concept.  We then proceeded with full design, envisioning daylight-filled, flexible, interconnected spaces suitable for a variety of uses.  The new Center includes classrooms, a multi-purpose assembly space, lounges, and office spaces characterized by transparency, informality and lively color.

 

Owner: Lena Park CDC
Project Manager: Urban Edge
Contractor: Kaplan
MEP: Norian/Siani
Structural: LeBrasseur Engineering

 

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RTH After School Program

The Roxbury Tenants of Harvard After School Program serves a population of several hundred diverse families within the Mission Park community in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Based on findings of our Mission Park master planning process, the owners decided to convert an existing day-care space into an After School Program.

We worked directly with program staff and directors to envision a complete transformation of this 3800 sf space. The design features flexible spaces with natural lighting, lively and durable finishes, and energy upgrades, completed on a modest budget. The Program provides excellent social, recreational, and academic enrichment activities for children.

 

Client: Roxbury Tenants of Harvard
Contractor: Callahan Construction
MEP: Norian/Siani

 

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