

691 Massachusetts
Avenue Residences
South End, Boston, MA
Multi-unit residential
40 units, 45,000 sf, 30 parking spaces
Completion: 2011
Project Overview
The design team took on the challenge of respecting the historical context of the South End Landmark District while also recognizing Boston as a vibrant, continuously evolving city. By blending contextual influences with a contemporary design aesthetic, the project provides an opportunity to live in residences that are both particular to the South End and true to the period in which they are constructed.

Facade Architects & Design Consultants
Hansy Better Barraza
Anthony J. Piermarini
Developer
Urbanica, Inc
Architect of Record
Urbanica, Inc
Code Consultant
R.W. Sullivan
Civil Engineer
BSC Group
Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer
Panitsas Associates, Inc
Electrical Engineer
VGNA
Structural Engineer
D.M. Berg Associates, Inc
General Contractor
Turnkey Development, Inc
Construction Manager
Berkeley Building Company
Historical Boston
evolving a south end landmark
Voices of Community
Terra cotta, brick, and rhythmic bays
SOHO Units
Small Office, Home Office















About the Residences
at 691 massachusetts avenue
The design team took on the challenge of respecting the historical context of the South End Landmark District while also recognizing Boston as a vibrant, continuously evolving city. By blending contextual influences with a contemporary design aesthetic, the project provides an opportunity to live in residences that are both particular to the South End and true to the period in which they are constructed.
The design team worked with the South End Landmarks Commission, incorporating the voices of the community into the design process. The use of terra cotta creates texture and color continuity with brick townhouses, and setbacks in the façade evoke the rhythmic quality created by bays of repeated townhouses. Careful attention is paid to the details of the façade assembly.
Ground floor units are proposed as Small Office Home Office or “SoHo” units, taking advantage of the easy street access. These six first floor units are intended to attract professionals with a home office, or artists who would like to house a small gallery. Units along Massachusetts Avenue have niches created by the massing of the façade. At the rear of the building, the quiet nature of Trask Street creates an opportunity for exterior balconies.