ISSUE 2: 2013
now+next LOVEJOY: Rediscovered, Restored and Revitalized TAT designs an active urban destination neighborhood on Boston’s Waterfront—transforming a long-abandoned commercial property into a vibrant mixeduse development. The redeveloped site will support office and retail use, creating a seamless and dynamic interaction between the inside and outdoors, enlivening activity on the newly designed pavilion and creating a diversity of waterfront use. read full story inside ...
“
Humor, humility and honesty are perquisites for successful
”
long-term client relationships.
When we first started … there were no clients. to receive—so give generously and often.
Mixing business with pleasure is …
necessary for a lifelong client relationship. people.
Respect is … not underestimating
The best designs … are usually the first conceived.
was … Jon McKee. listener.
It’s much better to … give than
My mentor
Kids teach you to … tell the truth and hopefully, to be a good
It takes a long time for … a client to respect your work. It must be earned.
I can’t imagine … not having my own firm.
When I was as student … I
worked a full-time job, spent my weekends in the Air Force Reserve and had 3 children There is no such thing as … good luck, you make it
to take care of. No regrets. yourself.
Developers … have the right to make a profit, and our job is to help If you learn anything with age, it’s … how much you have
them do so creatively.
forgotten, and still need to learn.
There is no substitute for … honesty.
have to admit … it’s not easy being an architect, but I love it. are … fair and reasonable. the dam, move on.
Most people
There is nothing you can do about … water over
I love to ... put people together to form profitable relation-
ships. You can’t trust … someone who thinks they know everything. taught me … humility.
My mother
There is no limit to ... what people can achieve
if they believe in themselves and dare to fail. life is … my family.
I
The greatest thing I have in my
Success ... has no end point—love what you do.
like to … surround myself with people that are smarter than I am. are … a vital sounding board for their clients.
Architects
Never … spend the clients’
money trying to win awards; you’ll lose focus on what really matters. know the answer … I find someone who does.
I
If I don’t
If you … don’t make deci-
sions, and don’t take responsibility, you can’t work here.
The glue that bonds
us together is … collaboration, candid interaction and compassion.
Robert J. Verrier, FAIA, NCARB, Vice President & Managing Principal; Co-Founder bverrier@architecturalteam.com With over 45 years of experience in the business of architecture, co-founder/managing principal of The Architectural Team, Bob Verrier, FAIA answers questions about his views as an entrepreneur and his approach that guides his life/work—one that has successfully sustained and directed the firm’s strategy through challenging times as well as the complexity of thriving business climates.
Arlington 360 Arlington, MA
Avalon Marlborough Marlborough, MA
RECOGNITION Bob Verrier, FAIA, co-founder/ managing partner and Michael Binette, AIA, principal of The Architectural Team, were co-recipients of Preservation Massachusetts’ Paul E. Tsongas Award for their ongoing commitment to historic preservation. Boston Society of Architects selected The Homes at Old Colony (Phase One), South Boston, Mass., as a winner of the John M. Clancy Award for Socially Responsible Housing—a new LEED-Platinum Certified, 116 unit affordable housing community.
Market Rate Rental Housing Rebound In recent years, real estate developers’ confidence in the stabilizing economy has spurred a resurgence in the market rate rental housing sector. According to the Urban Land Institute, “the Boston real estate market is one of the strongest in the country.” From luxury residential high-rise buildings and transit-oriented developments, The Architectural Team has been sought out for their multifamily housing expertise by both long-standing and new clients for their design acumen in this burgeoning market. Michael Binette, AIA, principal, remarks on the trend: Q When did the firm notice a resurgence in developer interest in building new market-rate
multifamily housing? A We saw it early on—our core client base are the seasoned developers who anticipate trends sooner than most, and have the foresight to begin pursuing opportunities more rapidly. In Q4 of 2009, we were selected to master plan and design Arlington 360, a new market rate and for-sale campus development currently under construction, as well as several others. Q What changes are you seeing in the design of market-rate apartment communities that differs from the bull housing market of the last decade? A There is an expectation from those who are paying higher rents for more economic living areas of upscale amenity spaces, greener living environments and high-end unit finishes—factors that become critical when trying to attract renters in a competitive market. The question then becomes, “Is this (more economic) product sustainable?” We’ve seen the pendulum swing towards a demand for larger units once again. Fortunately Boston has a unique demographic/psycho-graphic population that supports a diversity of options given its academic, innovation and creative economy. Q What do you see as a major driving factor in perpetuating the continued growth of this sector? A The expansion of mass transit into the suburban areas of Boston. People want effortless, reliable and rapid access to lifestyle amenities such as shopping, restaurants, entertainment and the arts without having to agonize through traffic. An example is the new lifestyle community concept is Assembly Row in Somerville, located within 3 miles of Downtown Boston, which will soon benefit from expanded MBTA service— this development boasts a wide breadth of live, work, play amenities, all within walking/biking distance. Q What are some of the market-rate multifamily housing developments currently underway at the firm? A
Major developments throughout Massachusetts include—Arlington 360, Avalon at Marlborough, Lakeshore Center-Bridgewater, Residences at Malden Square, Alta at the Estate-Waltham and Watertown Mews. We are also designing developments such as Avalon at Harbor Isles on Long Island, and 35 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville, North Carolina.
Preservation of Affordable Housing’s Boston/Cape Cod/Hudson Portfolio was the winner of Affordable Housing Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award for the nation’s best development of 2012-13. The portfolio includes three Boston properties renovated by TAT to include Franklin Square House, Kenmore Abbey and Blackstone Apartments. Loft Five50, formerly the home of Polartec® Manufacturing located in Lawrence, Mass., was selected as the Project of the Year (Merit): Adaptive Reuse category from Multifamily Executive Magazine. The Homes at Old Colony (Phase One) and Loft Five50—are winners of the Multi-Housing News Magazine Excellence Award—Silver for Best Development: Affordable Housing and Best Development: Adaptive Reuse, respectively. Manomet Place, New Bedford, Mass., was honored with the Sarah Delano Preservation Award from the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) for the conversion of the former Cliftex Mill into a 76 unit affordable senior housing community. Linwood Mill Apartments receives the Preservation Award from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. The former 19c. cotton mill located in Northbridge, Mass., was converted into a 75 unit affordable senior housing community with ground level commercial space.
LoveJoy Wharf The new mixed-use waterfront development, together with the TD BankNorth Garden sports arena, frames the southbound approach to Boston from the landmark Leonard Zakim Bridge where the Charles River meets the Boston Harbor.
Following nearly 100 years of haphazard exterior building modifications, and more than a decade of proposed redevelopment ventures, a significant waterfront parcel knitting together Boston’s North and West End is currently undergoing a major revitalization. In a joint venture between Boston-based Beals Cos. and New-York based Related Cos, known as Related Beal, the conversion of the 2.1-acre property, currently under construction, is being specially designed for Converse, the world-renown sneaker manufacturer, as their new corporate headquarters. This iconic building will offer flexibility and a public-spirited presence featuring ground floor retail and a waterfront pavilion. Its redesign will establish an epicenter connecting Charlestown, West End and North End neighborhoods—enlivening a once neglected and underutilized water-facing area of the City. With more than 42 years of expertise in both adaptive reuse and waterfront development, The Architectural Team was selected by Related Beal to design Lovejoy’s transformational conversion, ensuring a hybrid of architectural preservation
with contemporary detailing—creating a highly visible gateway into the City. “The design approach for the 160 North Washington Street building represents a historically sensitive opportunity to achieve a complete rehabilitation of the existing structure combined with new construction, and provide for its longterm preservation and stewardship,” says Michael Liu, AIA, principal at TAT. “Access is made easy by boat, bike, foot and public transportation, which will dramatically enhance the character and experience of Lovejoy Wharf, fostering a climate that creates a full breadth of waterfront activity. Making the most of the local identity, history and culture of this important landmark will stimulate widespread interest and create a unique sense of place.” Lovejoy Wharf was initially permitted in 2006 by TAT under both Boston’s Article 80 Large Project Review as well as Massachusetts’ rigorous Chapter 91 licensing process as a mixed-use/residential development for the site’s former owners. Today, the conversion of the property involves the reuse of the existing nine-
5 Charlestown
story Hoffman building and the new construction of a 50,000 square foot addition of commercial/retail space, a 7,600 square foot pavilion to provide a total of 220,000 square feet and a 40,000 square foot wharf structure. The wharf, despite its preeminent gateway location, had never offered public access. “The redevelopment of Lovejoy Wharf presents one of the best opportunities for the public to reclaim an important portion of Boston’s waterfront,” said landscape architect, Lynn Wolff, FASLA, principal, Copley Wolff Design Group. “The site occupies a city gateway location. The design, which fosters adaptability, will make Lovejoy Wharf an exciting place to dine, work, and play - featuring amenities that increase people’s comfort and enjoyment year-round.” Copley Wolff’s design of Lovejoy pavilion includes a park/plaza space along the waterfront which will provide a link to the North End and enhance pedestrian access to the Charles River Dam. The scope includes raised planters with trees, shrubs, and a green space; a harborwalk
1 West End
North End
Financial District
2 3
East Boston
4
along the water; and a large pedestrian stair from the Washington Street Bridge to the pier below. There will also be interpretive elements highlighting the history of the site and a large-scale wayfinding markers which will act as a gateway to the Harborwalk. According to Converse, its nonprofit arm Rubber Tracks will be a state-of-the-art recording studio located on the Lovejoy pavilion—designed to provide artists of all genres the opportunity to record their original music alongside a team of experienced engineers. “Boston is indeed in the midst of an essential process of rediscovering, redefining and re-enlivening its urban waterfront,” adds Liu. “The continued investment in waterfront development for varied uses, such as Lovejoy, will help revitalize and improve upon the incred-
ible public amenities that the City’s coastline offers.” The firm has completed other notable Boston waterfront developments including Commercial Wharf—a historic conversion of a former shipping warehouse into 80 luxury condominiums (1986); Lincoln Wharf—the first historic conversion in the U.S. of a former MBTA electrical power plant into 191 luxury condominiums (1987); the adjacent property Battery Wharf—the new construction of a five-star 150 room hotel and 104 luxury condominium development with restaurant/retail/health spa, a Maritime Museum, and a 70,000 square foot waterfront pavilion (2008); and Building 114— located along the harborwalk in Charlestown’s Navy Yard—the historic conversion of a former Navy joinery shop into a new biomedical research laboratory (2001).
Wall Street Dormitory, Binghamton, NY: Rendering of new student lounge located in former cigar factory/ mixed-use building near SUNY.
TAT Expands Interior Design Services TAT Interiors’ team has evolved from an ever-increasing client interest in the firm’s interior design sensibilities and creative acumen. Founded on the principles that guide the firm’s accessible approach to design, TAT Interiors offers enthusiastic, pragmatic and insightful brand-sensitive solutions. Uniquely specific to each client, our interior designs are derived from a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team approach—reflecting the client’s values, embodying their identity and enhancing their culture. The interdisciplinary design team is committed to a process of open communication, information sharing and problemresolution which results in the transformation of ordinary interior spaces into exceptional environments. “We strive to provide innovative solutions that have immediate visual impact and connectivity,” said Melanie Conant, NCIDQ, director of interior design, “at the same time creating spaces that provide for flexibility, comfort and ease of use.” Current projects for the Interiors’ team include Wall Street-Binghamton student dormitory in downtown Binghamton, NY near the State University of New York (SUNY); Bristol Commons, Taunton, MA—a new affordable multifamily housing community; Residences at Wingate in Needham, MA—a new senior living “aging in place” healthcare facility, and several new assisted living/independent living/memory care communities for LCB Senior Living and The Northbridge Companies. The firm’s interiors team offers a full range of services from pre-construction analysis, cost estimating, and space planning through design development, construction documents and construction administration. “TAT approaches all projects with a strong basis of experience and commitment to creative openness. We recognize that the firm’s continued success relies on more than just what we have done before; it relies on what we do next,” adds Bob Verrier, FAIA, cofounder and managing partner.
Sibley Building, Rochester, NY: Rendering of new office lobby located in this 1M sf iconic landmark currently undergoing an historic adaptive reuse into a new mixed-use urban center by WinnDevelopment and TAT
Avalon Marlborough, Marlborough, MA: Rendering of new leasing office for the new 351 unit multifamily housing development also designed by TAT
PRESS Breaking the Barrier, The Architect’s Newspaper August 14, 2013 TAT associate, Jay Szymanski, AIA, and developer, John Rosenthal, president of Meredith Management, speak to The Architect’s Newspaper about the challenges that faced Boston’s $500M mixeduse, air-rights development, Fenway Center, which is slated to begin this fall. To read the full article and other recent firm news, please visit: www.architecturalteam.com
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EVENTS N E W S U P D AT E S O N S E L E C T TAT P R O J E C T S
Wall Street-Binghamton Dormitory Binghamton, NY Client: One Wall Street Apartments | Contractor: Colcon Development
As both architect and interior designers, the firm is converting a former cigar factory and later mixed-use building located in downtown Binghamton near State University of New York into a new 180-bed student dormitory with ground level retail. The 170,000 square foot mixed-use building will provide student and faculty amenities to include a fitness center, 24/7 lounge, computer lab café and cinema room. The project is expected to be completed in August 2014.
Lakeshore Center Bridgewater, MA Client: Claremont Companies | Contractor: Dellbrook Construction
Currently in design development, the firm is working on a new 350,000 square foot mixed-income multifamily community. Comprised of three separate apartment buildings, the development will provide 289 units comprised of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities include a 4,000 square foot clubhouse with a fitness center and resident lounge, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, tot lot and scenic walking paths. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2014.
The Livingston School Albany, NY Client: WinnDevelopment | Contractor: Keith Construction
The firm is responsible for the master planning, preservation and adaptive reuse of a the Philip Livingston Middle School, a significant architectural landmark located in Albany. NY. The historic school was built in 1932 and is considered the “embodiment of the ideals of beauty and utility” and now anchors a 3+-acre campus revitalization effort that will be transformed into a new 103 unit senior housing community with ample resident amenities to include fitness center, resident lounge, brain gym/computer lounge, library, gazebo and abundant landscaped gardens. The project is expected to begin in early 2014.
Recent ribbon-cutting ceremonies include: The Kensington, Boston, MA, a new 27-story mixed-use/ luxury residential high rise; Huntington Woods, Bristol, CT—a new 280 unit, 17 building multifamily housing development; and Manomet Mills in New Bedford, MA—a former 20th c. historic textile mill converted into a 76 unit affordable senior housing community. Recent groundbreakings include: 375 Newbury Street, Boston—the 40,000 sf building is undergoing a historic reconstruction and will accommodate the single-user national retailer Room and Board; and two new independent/assisted living/memory care communities: Residences at Watertown Square, Watertown, MA and Residences at Riverbend, Ipswich, MA.
TEAM TAT welcomes new hires to the architectural staff: Ed DeBlieck, AIA, David Giancarli, Glenn Hoffman, Nate Gove, and Elizabeth Webb; as well as Alli Faria and Kristen Pelletier to the Interior Design team. TAT congratulates Callie Hopkins on her recent LEED AP certification. In Memoriam: A beloved farewell to Alex, the ever loyal and loving (canine) service companion of TAT project manager, Scott Maenpaa. He will be missed.
For more information, please contact Valerie Capone at 617.889.4402. To subscribe to an electronic version of tat|now+next, please visit www.architecturalteam.com and click on the News section. Copyright ©2013. 50 Commandant’s Way at Admiral’s Hill Chelsea MA 02150 T 617.889.4402 F 617.884.4329 www.architecturalteam.com
+fyi
Initially completed in 1906
for the W.F. Schrafft & Sons Confectionary Manufacturing, the site was later acquired to accommodate the Raytheon Manufacturing Company, Submarine Signal Division from 1940; followed by Chardon Realty/ Hoffman Family’s acquisition in 1962 to serve as office/warehouse space, and other services.
3 existing brick turrets above the 7th floor will remain and serve as transition elements from the historic building to the new construction
8
floors will be rehabilitated to
their original state.
A new
6-story atrium will be cre-
ated for future grand communicating stair for Converse offices.