120-122 Hancock Street
dorchester, Boston, MA
15 Affordable Homeownership Units
15,680 SF, 9 Parking Spaces
Completion: 2025
Project Overview
Inspired by Boston’s triple decker and bow-front homes, this 15-unit project brings modern, mid-scale housing to Hancock Street while fitting within the existing fabric. The hillside site presents an opportunity for a terraced building strategy that is well integrated within the landscape in terms of height, mass, and scale. Our team created proportions that mimic twin triple-decker homes, while existing as one singular building on the site. This strategy, and its play with depth, provides each homeowner with an opportunity for outdoor open space, while also creating a dynamic public realm experience.
The building presents a familiar, yet new, face to the neighborhood by complementing its existing rhythm of bow-fronts and rooflines with a playful, modern take on the architectural bay.
Project Team
Hansy Better Barraza
Anthony J. Piermarini
Leena Ismail
Ben Tulman
Ivan Tae
Jason (Jae Hoon) Jang
Client
Urbanica Inc.
Municipality
City of Boston
Developer
Urbanica
Code Consultant
Vernon Woodworth
Civil Engineer
Alan and Major Associates, Inc.
MEPFP
South Shore Construction LLC
Structural Engineer
Thornton Tomasetti
General Contractor
Haynes Construction
Photography
Jane Messinger
contextual design
harmony within the fabric
Designed with the proportions of two adjacent triple-deckers in mind, this project thoughtfully integrates into the established rhythm of Hancock Street. By echoing the scale and character of surrounding triple-deckers, it offers a respectful nod to the neighborhood’s architecture, while introducing a contemporary interpretation that complements the existing context.
affordable housing
modern, mid-scale dwelling
Situated within a medium-density residential neighborhood, the building’s programming is attuned to the site’s visual and programmatic characteristics, while quietly providing more density. As affordable homeownership units, the project brings opportunity for ownership to the area, boosting affordable housing in the neighborhood, and the city at large.
site utilization
dense site, open living
This project responds to the constraints of a compact urban lot by maximizing every inch of the site for both housing and livability. A shared front deck connects residents to the rhythm of Hancock Street, while a private rear deck offers a moment of respite, balancing density with privacy.
About the Residences
In Dorchester
120-122 Hancock Street seeks to strike a delicate balance between honoring the historical architectural context of Hancock Street and introducing a contemporary flair that contributes to the evolving character of the neighborhood.
The project introduces a playful and modern interpretation of architectural bays. This infusion of contemporary design elements adds a dynamic and engaging aspect to the project, creating a visually striking and unique presence within the neighborhood. Drawing inspiration from the iconic triple decker and bow-front architectural styles of Boston, the project blends historical elements with a contemporary twist. Situated on a hillside, the project takes advantage of the topography through a terraced building strategy, ensuring integration within the landscape in terms of height, mass, and scale. The terraced approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, but also maximizes the effective use of the space on the hillside.
One building disguised as two, the project reflects a thoughtful response to the scale and proportionality of the neighborhood, while bringing affordable homeownership opportunities and greater density to Hancock Street.
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