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

                    The design approach embraced the challenge of respecting the historical context of the South End Landmark District while also recognizing Boston as a vibrant, continuously evolving city. 
                

Voices of Community

Terra cotta, brick, and rhythmic bays

                    The design team worked with the South End Landmarks Commission, incorporating the voices of the community into the design process. The building offers a spectrum of unit types that mirrors the diversity of housing in the South End.
                

SOHO Units

Small Office, Home Office

                    Ground floor units are proposed as Small Office Home Office or “SoHo” units, taking advantage of the easy street access and contributing to new economic opportunities to the neighborhood.
                

About the Residences

at 691 massachusetts avenue

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.

691 Massachusetts Avenue Residences