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.