now + next | issue 3 | 2014
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ISSUE 3: 2014
now+nextReviving A Gateway City: Voke Lofts
Referred to by locals as “The
Voke,” Worcester Vocational
High School, once bustling
with students studying trades
such as machinery, electric
work, painting and drafting,
has been artfully transformed
into mixed-income multifamily
housing. Originally founded in
1909 to house the Worcester
Boys’ Trade School, the
historic school was shuttered
after it could no longer be
adapted to serve its original
purpose. The 116,306
square-foot preserved
building, Voke Lofts, ignites
vitality into the neighborhood,
mitigating years of squatting,
vandalism, and urban decay.
SQUARE FEET, THE SIZE OF THE SIBLEY MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT
UNITS OF HOUSING DEVELOPED SINCE 1971
BUILT PROJECTS
COOP STUDENTS WE’VE EMPLOYED AT TAT
HISTORIC ADAPTIVE REUSE DEVELOPMENTS
YEARS SINCE THE COMMANDANT’S HOUSE WAS BUILT
PROJECTS COMPLETED IN GREATER BOSTON
STATES IN WHICH TAT HAS COMPLETED WORK
BOSTON WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS
DESIGNEXCELLENCE AWARDS
TAT TEAMMEMBERS
YEARS OF CREATIVELY SOLVING PROBLEMS & FINDING SOLUTIONS FOR CLIENTS
STORIES AT THE KENSINGTON
YEARS IN THE MAKING, BAKER CHOCOLATE FACTORY COMPLEX
THE NUMBER OF YEARS FOR LOVEJOY & ARLINGTON 360 TO BECOME A REALITY
THING MATTERS MOST:CULTIVATING LASTINGRELATIONSHIPS
BAC DESIGNCOMPETITION STUDIOS SPONSORED BY TAT
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF BOSTON
NEW HIRES IN ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN STAFF IN 2014
Countdown to 2015Starting from scratch is a leap of faith. No one really thinks you are going to create a thriving, enduring business.
And there is good reason for doubt—the odds are against it. Luck, timing, compassion, creativity, determination,
endurance, talent and passion. They all play a role. The underpinning of the architectural world is about relationships.
And for TAT, those relationships are the foundation of what we enjoy today. Developing a creative design solution,
putting our clients’ aims first, loyalty, and making sure to mix business and pleasure is the way we do business.
That’s how a client becomes a long-standing friend. We close 2014 with plenty to be grateful for—an extraordinarily
talented team whose dedication, creativity, collaboration and innovation propel the firm into its 44th anniversary.
Here’s my unconventional countdown to the New Year!
Bob Verrier, FAIA, NCARBCo-Founder/Managing Principal(1971)
New townhome units at Bristol Commons are oriented around a central garden and playground, promoting an inclusive and supportive community. One acre of land on the property now serves as a community farm and resource. © Andy Ryan
THING MATTERS MOST:CULTIVATING LASTINGRELATIONSHIPS
RECOGNITIONLinwood Mill Apartments in North-bridge, MA, received the National Housing & Rehabilitation Associa-tion’s 2014 Judges’ Award for “Best Historic Mill”. The former historic cotton mill was converted into 75 units of affordable senior housing
with ground level commercial space.
© Andy Ryan
Arlington 360 in Arlington, MA,
received the Multifamily Executive
Magazine Awards for “Best Reuse of
Land” and “Editors’ Choice”. Located
on the former 18-acre Symmes Hos-
pital campus, the site was redevel-
oped into a market-rate multifamily
community offering 164 rental units
and 12 for-sale townhomes.
© Ed Wonsek
Residences at Wingate in Needham,
MA, received an “Award for Excel-
lence” from Senior Living by Design
Magazine’s annual competition. The
new 91 unit assisted living/indepen-
dent living/memory care community
is the second phase designed by
TAT as part of the town’s “Senior
Overlay District” that was created to
provide an aging in place residential
resource.
© Warren Jagger
Creating Community.Spearheaded by a public-private partnership between Taunton Housing Authority and Trinity Financial, Fairfax
Gardens in Taunton, Mass., was funded in part by a Hope VI Grant—one of only six awarded in the country
by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Renamed Bristol Commons/Lenox Green, the
redevelopment offers 88 New England-style multifamily townhome and duplex units and an additional 72
townhome units on a separate lot purchased from the city.
When it comes to the redevelopment of a distressed property, there are no quick fi xes. Associate, Ed Bradford,
AIA, LEED AP, explains the design considerations of transforming an obsolete public-housing development
into a vibrant and environmentally sustainable neighborhood.
What goals guided the redevelopment?Despite being located in the middle of a stable neighborhood, the original development was remarkably isolated. Repetitive barrack-style build-ings arranged in haphazard confi gurations made the development instantly recognized as public housing; creating a strong edge between the site and the larger community. The blighted pres-ence of the site was reinforced by the extremely deteriorated condition of the existing buildings, with aged systems, infrastructure and exceedingly high energy and water costs. A main goal for the redevelopment, therefore, was to create new physi-cal and social connections to the broader neighbor-hood and to ‘soften’ the strong edge between the site and the broader community with new build-ings that meet the highest standards for sustain-able design and livability.
What key factors were considered when creating the master plan?The master plan focused on creating pedestrian-scaled streets that knit the development back into the surrounding community and providing the
foundation for a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. At the site entrance, a new community building is the focal point, offering after-school programs, daycare, and community space. A network of out-door open spaces is highlighted by a central green and playground, promoting social connectedness. A community garden anchors the west end of the green.
What are some important architectural features?The buildings are designed to complement the scale and architectural vernacular of the surround-ing neighborhood. The range of building facades, roofl ines and colors were purposefully integrated to express the individuality of each unit and prevent the uniformity that characterized the original devel-opment. Entry porches are an important feature, contributing to the neighborhood character and promoting a sense of public safety. High perfor-mance building envelopes, effi cient mechanical systems and optimal building orientation result in extremely high energy-effi ciency and low utility bills.
Client | WinnDevelopment
Contractor | Dellbrook Construction
Historic Consultant | Epsilon Associates
Landscape Architect | A.T. Leonard & Associates
Interiors | Ideal Design
A Proud and Distinctive City Regains Its Prosperity and ImportanceThe state’s once-humming mill and manufacturing towns – the Gateway Cities – are ready
to rejoin the state’s economic mainstream. Worcester, a proud regional hub in Massachu-
setts, is part of this economic reinvention. As an important asset to the state, this historic
community is developing its infrastructure to pursue smart growth and engage its growing,
energetic and diverse workforce. Abandoned schools, mills and factories that once served
as a center of work, life and learning for this community are being repurposed into multi-
family housing, senior living, mixed-use and artist live/work space. Voke Lofts, a fi ve-year
construction project with WinnDevelopment, provides much needed affordable housing and
marks the beginning of a new chapter for the city.
Restoring the Original U-ShapeIn 1955, the U-shaped school building was infi lled with a gymnasium addition, crowd-
ing the small campus, and leaving the site footprint with limited expansion possibilities.
Once closed in 2006, the site became a refuge for squatters, vandalism, and the defunct
structure became a part of city’s urban decay – a deteriorating and visual barrier to Worces-
ter. The design team demolished the infi ll addition, which connected the two sides of the
building at its middle, restoring the original U-shaped plan. Once extracted, this allowed for
a courtyard entrance, walkways, parking lot and ample natural day lighting, essential for its
new use as multifamily housing.
Reviving A Gateway City:
Voke Lofts
(Above): Hallway leading to the new artist gallery will feature work by local artists. (Below): Resident lounge with full kitchen, flat screen TV and access to outdoor patio and children’s playground © Warren Jagger
Distinctive Design Challenge Completed in the summer 2014, Voke Lofts, offers 84 mixed-income lofts in a mix
of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, and resident amenities that include an on-site
management office, community room with kitchen, a computer learning center, fitness
center, a dedicated museum and art gallery, bike storage, a children’s playground and
a community garden.
“The development of Voke Lofts presented our team with a interesting design challenge,
because unlike expansive factory buildings, the school was not able to be completely
gutted and easily transformed into new living units,” explains Bob Verrier, FAIA, co-
founder/managing principal. The unusual U-shaped footprint required an innovative
approach, modifying the units around the building’s structure. This challenge resulted
in a unique outcome in design in which no two units are the same. The transforma-
tion retains the industrial look of the historic building, characterized by high brick walls,
exposed wood ceilings and piping, and vast windows.
Voke Lofts is one of several preservation and adaptive reuse developments designed by
the firm, including: Royal Worcester, Canal Lofts and Upsala School; and Worcester
Loomworks currently in construction administration.
What current color trends can we expect to continue into 2015?
We will continue to look to the
environment for our inspiration, using
warm taupes, tonal whites and soft grays
as strong base neutrals. These colors
are sophisticated, elegant and soothing.
Using varying shades of these colors add
depth, allowing for bold accent colors to
enliven and bring beautiful contrast into
contemporary spaces. These accents
will come in the form of nature-inspired
fabrics and patterns, artwork, as well as
wood mixed with industrial metal detailing
—allowing us to combine colors in fresh
ways, fusing styles and materials. Using
warm natural elements such as wood and
stone build on our inherent connection to
the outdoors and provides a peaceful yet
rejuvenated setting.
What other interior trends do you
anticipate in the new year?
Bolder hues will be used sparingly, but
are essential for creating interest, energy,
branding and enlivening work and living
spaces with personality. Colors that are
used to minimally and buoyantly punctuate
a space might include chartreuse, bottle
green, magenta, aqua and cerulean.
We fi nd that people are often seeking
an oasis of simplicity and balance,
primarily because of their hectic and high
energy lifestyles – so we design neutral
TAT is both architect of record and interior designers for the renovations of Harrison Court in Boston’s South End. © Andy Ryan
spaces with appealing textures, shapes
and contracting fabrics coupled with the
use of varying materials and surfaces to
add substantial interest. We are able to
amplify this effect by using reclaimed and
repurposed elements along with natural day
lighting and artwork to enable people to
feel healthy and inspired, and also foster a
sense of community.
What is another important element to consider when creating an enlivened community?
Lighting is such a critical element, but often
overlooked. The right light can amplify
artwork, architectural details and reveal
dynamic textures. Using a well thought-
out strategy for combining ambient, task,
accent, decorative and art lighting provides
an essential layering of light – just the right
amount in proportion to the room.
Anticipating trends for 2015, Melanie Conant, Interior Design Director at TAT points to the environment for her team’s inspiration and identifi es other key elements for creating inspired, balanced and soothing spaces.
Color Trends: What’s New, What’s Next
PRESSDesigning to Preserve a LegacyInteriors & Sources MagazineJuly 2014
Bob Verrier, FAIA, NCARB, co-found-er/managing principal discusses the importance of Historic Tax Credit fund-ing as a catalyst for the revitalization and rebirth of defunct buildings and the communities they serve.
To read the full article and other recent fi rm news, please visit: www.architecturalteam.com /news
EVENTSRecent ribbon-cutting ceremonies include: 135 Lafayette, Salem, MA - a new 51 unit mixed-income multifamily development; Ames Privilege, Chicopee, MA - the partial conversion of a historic mill building into 40 additional rental units; Mattapan Boys & Girls Club of Boston - the conversion of a former Boston Public Library branch into a new Community Teen Center; Harrison Court, South End-Boston, MA - involved interior renovations to an historic apartment building providing 71 units and new community space; Residences at Five Corners, Easton, MA - a new 84 unit assisted living/independent living/memory care campus; Washington Park, Boston, MA - the historic rehabilitation of an 8-building, 96-unit apartment community located in Dorchester and Roxbury neighbor-hoods. Recent groundbreakings include Maplewood at Brewster, Brewster, MA - a new 132 unit senior living community.
TEAMThe fi rm congratulates Matt Duggan, AIA on becoming a Registered Massa-chusetts Architect; and also welcomes new hires Kate MacAuley (interior design) and Jess Ruhlin (marketing).
Congratulations to the TAT Softball Team for winning the “2014 Boston Area Softball League Championship”.
+nextLaurelwood At The Pinehills Plymouth, MA Client: The Northbridge Companies | Contractor: Callahan Construction
This new 77,000 square foot senior living community is situated within the neighborhood of the Pinehills community, in the heart of Plymouth, MA. Currently under construction, the new develop-ment will provide 30 assisted living/independent living units and 29 memory care units. The facility offers ample resident amenities, an outdoor roof deck, a 10,000 square foot open-air parking garage, as well as convenient access to local shopping, restaurants and recreational activities. TAT is both the architect-of-record and interior designer for the development, which marks the sixth senior living com-munity for The Northbridge Companies.
Avalon HighpointQuincy, MA Client/General Contractor: AvalonBay Communities
Located on the site of a former quarry, this new market-rate multifamily community provides more than 400 units of rental housing in fi ve, 5-6 story mid-rise buildings. Resident amenities include a fi tness room, outdoor pool, clubhouse and surface parking. Master-planner and architect-of-record for Avalon market-rate multifamily properties in Lexington and Danvers, MA, the fi rm is currently in construction administration with Avalon Marlborough, a new 350 unit residential community. TAT’s interior design studio is responsible for the design of all resident amenity areas.
Brighton MarineBrighton, MA Client: WinnDevelopment and Brighton Marine Health Center
Currently in design development, this new 112,000 square foot multifamily development is dedicated to meeting the housing needs of veterans and their families. Located along Commonwealth Avenue on the Brighton Marine Health Center campus, the new six-story building will offer 101 rental units, with approximately 80-percent as affordable, in a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units; 7,500 square feet is dedicated to community space. For long-time client WinnDevelopment, this represents the thirtieth development designed by TAT in their portfolio of award-winning historic adaptive reuse communities.
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
Laurelwood at The Pinehills, Plymouth, MA - designed to refl ect New England-style architecture with a gambrel roof and a
warm, cottage-style interior.
50 Commandant’s Way at Admiral’s Hill Chelsea MA 02150 T 617.889.4402 F 617.884.4329 www.architecturalteam.com
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 ©2014.
+ fyi
17 different trades were taught at The Voke.
22 images of the original machinery once used by the students now hang in the hallways.
312 historic replica windows were replaced throughout the building.