Ashlar Park is a modern, first-class residential community in Quincy, MA, conveniently located near the Quincy Center T stop. This urban oasis features 465 residential units spread across four five-story multi-family residential buildings, and the transformation of the old Quincy Medical Center Administration Building into a contemporary amenity hub. A series of lush, landscaped exterior amenity spaces knit the buildings together, creating a strong sense of community through an emphasis on fostering social interaction via shared spaces.
Perched high atop President’s Hill, the site offers breathtaking views of the majestic Blue Hills, the harbor, and the captivating Boston skyline, combining a touch of natural beauty with the convenience and connectivity of urban, transit oriented living.
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HISTORY
The Ashlar Park campus occupies the former Quincy Medical Center site. Originally established in 1890 to treat local granite workers suffering from dust inhalation, the hospital played a vital role in the community during the next century as it became the place where generations of Quincy residents were born and cared for.
Located atop President’s Hill—John Adams once owned the land—the Medical Center became a prominent local landmark, leading the surrounding neighborhood to become known as “Hospital Hill”.
Two years after the hospital closed its doors, FoxRock Properties, a nationally recognized, Quincy-based real estate firm, acquired the site and in collaboration with their partner Redgate, began crafting their vision of restoring the campus’s vitality and reestablishing its prominence within the City of Quincy.
Quincy Hospital founded as a private corporation to treat granite workers suffering from dust inhalation.
City takes over the hospital after a state constitutional amendment prohibits public funding of private hospital.
A Works Progress Administration (WPA) project for administration and nurses’ residence.
The final contribution by William Rice. It was replaced in 1964 by East Wing.
Quincy’s first surgical unit was a gift from Mrs. Abigail Adams and her brothers as a memorial to their mother. Later renamed Rice Pavilion as part of the new Rice Building.
Photographs of the Cottage Hospital which became Quincy Hospital in 1890
and painted postcard featuring Quincy Hospital, American Art Post Card Co.
Formerly public Quincy Hospital reaches deal to align with Boston Medical Center, switching from municipal to nonprofit.
Steward Health Care announces the hospital to close at the end of the year.
FoxRock acquires property. Construction begins.
Administration Building
At the heart of the Quincy Medical Center was the Administration Building, the central hub for the hospital’s administrative services and operations.
Constructed in 1937, the building features a colonnade with ionic columns facing the entrance on Whitwell Street. The top of the building is adorned with an iconic, decorative cupola with a gold plated dome.
Understanding the building’s significance and its prominent location facing the neighborhood along Whitwell Street, FoxRock and Arrowstreet worked to restore the exterior facade, preserving its architectural character.
The interior was transformed into a series of unique interconnected spaces, breathing new life into the historic structure and making it the central element to the new development.
THE WOODLANDS
THE SKYLINE
THE QUARRY
THE HARBOR
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
CAMPUS MASTERPLAN
In 2020, FoxRock commissioned Arrowstreet to develop a masterplan which included a program of 465 market rate residential units and associated parking, as well as approximately 20,000 SF of amenity space.
Arrowstreet worked with FoxRock to develop a plan which optimized the complex site and respected the adjacent neighborhood. The project was reshaped into a contemporary development with multiple unique outdoor amenity spaces, including a pool deck, an active and fully landscaped lawn, grilling patios, community plaza, and roof decks.
Site Layout & Masterplanning
Arrowstreet worked to celebrate the Administration Building by exposing the historic west facade, locating active open space immediately adjacent, and opening up views from the community into the campus core. By re-imagining the Administration Building as the center of Ashlar Park’s amenities, the building becomes the focus of the project.
A key feature of Ashlar Park’s masterplan is the creation of a series of unique outdoor amenity spaces located throughout the campus, including a plaza along Whitwell Street, a central green space, and landscaped terraces to the north. These spaces reinforce the sense of community, providing opportunity for programmed or informal activities.
NEW CONSTRUCTION ADMIN BUILDING UNDERGROUND PARKING
GREENWAY
THE YARD
CONTEMPORARY URBAN
THE MODIFIED YARD
CENTRAL PARK
Front Porch. Exterior plaza space opens the site to the neighborhood along Whitwell Street.
Pool Deck and Grill.
The Common. Residential buildings are organized around central green space.
The Terraces. Multi-tiered landscape provides access to Glendale Park, Euclid Avenue, and pathway to Quincy Center T station.
Pedestrian Movement. Multiple routes allow 5 minute walk from site to the T station.
Massing
Throughout the masterplanning design process, various building massing iterations were tested, analyzing each option’s ability to meet program requirements, optimize views and solar orientation, and respond to the neighborhood context.
Conceptual masterplan massing
New England Common
The Yard (Hybrid)
Whitwell Street
Buildings step down to a three-story masonry expression along Whitwell Street in response to the neighborhood scale across the street.
Water Views
The Woodlands building geometry is splayed to take advantage of the high elevation and prominent views of Boston and the harbor.
Deferring to History
The Skyline building is set back to preserve eastward views of the historic Administration Building.
1 2 3
Expose west facade of Administration Building.
Create exterior amenity space linking project to community.
Create view corridor from Whitwell Street through site.
Masterplanning conceptual diagram
Front porch conceptual rendering in Winter
Front porch conceptual rendering in Fall
TO THE COMMON
EXPOSED WEST FACADE OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
SEATING LOUNGE
WHITWELLSTREET
TO THE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD
Front Porch
Early in the planning phases, the design team identified ways to open the Ashlar Park campus visually to the neighborhood.
Exposing the west facade of the Administration Building and locating the Front Porch, an active plaza with bocce ball court and lounge seatings immediately adjacent, became a perfect opportunity to create a connection between the new Ashlar Park community and the existing neighborhood along Whitwell Street.
BOCCE BALL COURT
POOL/DECK SHADOW STUDY
SPRING/FALL EQUINOX
Outdoor Pool Deck & Lounge
The Administration Building opens out to an expansive exterior pool deck, lounge, and grilling patio, with views to the landscaped common beyond. Carefully designed to maximize sun exposure throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons, the pool deck acts as a unifying element, linking the interior amenities of the Administration Building, with the exterior amenities at the heart of the campus.
WOODLANDS GARAGE
39 SPACES
SKYLINE GARAGE
168 SPACES
The Common
Approximately half of the project’s parking is located underground, allowing for the creation of a centralized green space that hearkens back to the old town meeting spaces of New England. The buildings were strategically organized so that each one overlooks and actively engages with the landscaped lawn, fostering a stronger connection between residents and the natural environment.
THE QUARRY THE HARBOR ADMIN BUILDING
THE SKYLINE
TOP Conceptual rendering of terrace
BOTTOM Design options for terrace pathway, illustrations by KMDG
THE WOODLANDS
TO EUCLID AVENUE. / PATH TO
WOODLANDS EXTERIOR AMENITY SPACES
TERRACES TO THE COMMON/ ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
The Terraces
North of the Woodlands building, the site experiences a significant change in elevation moving towards Glendale Park, dropping approximately 14 feet.
Using this as an opportunity, the design team carved a series of terraces into the landscape, providing smaller moments of rest and reflection along the walking path to the T, with stellar views towards Glendale Park.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Both Ashlar Park’s name and architectural design take inspiration from Quincy’s rich history of granite quarries and skilled stonemasons.
Between 1820 and 1960, over 50 quarries operated in Quincy, earning Quincy the nickname “The Granite City”. Valued for its extreme hardness, dark color, and ability to take a high polish, Quincy granite was used in buildings and monuments all over the US, including Bunker Hill Monument.
“Ashlar” is a masonry term for a finely cut unit of stone, carefully squared on all sides to allow for very thin mortar joints. When stacked together, the ashlar bond has the appearance of stone finely fitted together for a high quality, elegant aesthetic.
The design team drew inspiration from this rich history when designing the exterior, exploring ways to bring this history of strength, durability, and fine craftsmanship to a new, contemporary material palette.
Differentiated Design
The residential buildings have been designed with a consistent material palette of predominantly brick, metal panel, and glass with accents of wood and tile. Subtle variations between the buildings in brick detailing, proportion, and scale help to create a family of buildings that work together with each building having its own character.
Textured metal panel is used at upper floors where the massing steps back, helping to reduce the perceived height of the masonry building. In addition, vertical seams of metal panel are introduced within the facade to add depth and break up the long fields of masonry. Balconies and floor to ceiling windows create rhythm and interest along the facades.
Keeping the resident experience at the forefront of the design, large windows provide ample daylight and unmatched views. Given the higher elevation of President’s Hill, residents can see Boston, the harbor, and Blue Hill, depending on the unit orientation.
Exterior Facade Design
Numerous materials were studied, and ultimately a palette of brick, metal and stone was selected, paying homage to the site’s historical context.
Multiple brick coursings and detailing are compared and addressed to create a visually cohesive, harmonious, and richly textured landscape that echoes the unique history of the quarry industry in Quincy.
Pass-throughs
Materials and patterns change at the pass-throughs of Buildings B and D to create a distinct entrance experience.
Whitwell Street
Building facades facing the Whitwell Street include a series of recessed masonry frames with projecting sill and precast headers that form a rich depth facing the neighborhood.
Facade material and color studies at pass-through
Skyline building, final facade design
Facade balcony material and color studies
Facade material, color,
CIRCULATION
ADDITION
WHITWELL STREET
CONCIERGE
Administration Building Addition
The fitness center is housed in a new 2,700 SF addition connected to the Administration Building. Arrowstreet designed the north and south facades to maximize visibility to the exterior pool deck and Whitwell Street, while creating a solid east facade that ensures privacy for the unit in the adjacent Harbor building. The dark bronze anodized metal panel provides a rich toned complement to both the existing Administration Building and the neighboring residential buildings in the development.
THE WOODLANDS NATURE THE SKYLINE SKY
ADMIN BUILDING STONE
THE HARBOR WATER
THE QUARRY EARTH
INTERIOR DESIGN
The interior design at Ashlar Park is thoughtfully crafted around four captivating themes: sky, earth, nature, and water. Drawing inspiration from the project’s surroundings, the design seamlessly incorporates natural elements into every living space, paying homage to the site’s location and connectivity to Boston, quarries, ocean, and the parks.
With a strong focus on sustainability, our approach embraces the active use of materials and space, while the carefully selected colors and textures remind the residents of nature.
Ashlar Park envisions a harmonious living environment that connects residents with the natural world, creating a tranquil and inspiring sanctuary to call home.
A BO ve Vision board for The Woodlands
lef T Design for The Woodlands banquet lounge and work spaces
B elO w Corridor and unit entry design
The
Woodlands
The Woodlands at Ashlar Park draws inspiration from New England’s summer foliage, utilizing a palette that reflects the region’s lush landscapes.
The interior design embraces an organic and vibrant aesthetic, providing residents with alternating moments of energy and calm through a connection to the natural environment. Additionally, the outdoor roof deck provides a space for all Ashlar Park residents to fully enjoy each season.
The Quarry
Quincy’s rich history as a granite industry hub inspires the warm and earthy palette of this building, honoring its deep connection to the local terrain. From sandy soils to grand granite quarries, the labor of working the land has shaped New England’s history.
The Quarry reflects this connection through tones and textures reminiscent of majolica clay and pumice stone.
A BO ve Vision for The Quarry
lef T Design for The Quarry lounge and mail room
B elO w Corridor and unit entry design
B elO w Corridor and unit entry design
The Harbor
The Harbor building captures the essence of Wollaston Beach with its nautical-inspired interior design, reflecting Quincy’s connection to the ocean. The aquatic hues and textures evoke the ethereal beauty of breaking waves along the seacoast.
Select residences offer views of the Boston skyline and harbor.
A BO ve Vision board for The Harbor
l ef T Design for The Harbor lounge and mail room
The Skyline
The Skyline building showcases a captivating blue interiors palette and offers grand views of downtown Boston from select residences.
Inspired by the rolling hills and rocky coastlines of the region, this building reflects the expansive horizon, featuring a range of blue hues that capture the essence of early bluebird mornings to deep dusky twilights, inspiring thinkers and dreamers alike.
A BO ve Vision board for The Skyline
l ef T Design for The Skyline lounge and mail room
B elO w Corridor and unit entry design
NEW SKYLIGHTS
WORK POD
MEETING ROOM
LIBRARY
CIRCULATION
PUB LOUNGE
GRAND FIREPLACE CLUB ROOM
ENTRY/LEASING OFFICE
BIKE STORAGE
POOL DECK
Amenity Hub
Once the central point of hospital operations, the Administration Building now serves as the amenity hub for residents of Ashlar Park.
New openings were carved out of levels two and three to create unique, double-height spaces where the club room and pub are located. These spaces, as well as the fireplace lounge, library,
game room, remote work pods, and conference rooms are organized around an open circulation spine, visually linking each space to the next.
In addition, the existing concrete and steel ceiling beams were exposed, highlighting the history of the building while blending with the contemporary interior design.
Pub, 2022
Pub, 2023
The Club Room
Upon entering the Administration Building, visitors are welcomed into the Club Room, a grand, double-height space boasting a 21 foot tall fireplace and lounge seating with views and access to the exterior pool deck. The palette of natural materials and inviting furnishings create an oasis for recreation and socialization.
Amenity Design
Human connection forms the core of the shared experience, and the second level is dedicated to providing inviting and vibrant spaces for hosting gatherings and connecting with family and friends. Residents have the opportunity to engage in the cozy fireplace lounge or socialize with friends in the elegant yet lighthearted game and television lounges.
As our perspective on remote work has changed, so too have the spaces in which we work, striking a balance between focus and connection, productivity and personal well-being. The third level allows residents to carve out their own way of working in a variety of bookable, communal, and enclosed spaces, including a library room. Creative private and public furniture solutions provide options for residents to chose a space that works for them.
A BO ve Coworking lounge
RIGHT The Pub & upper level library
One-Bedroom Model Unit
The “Urban Adventurer” concept for the one-bedroom model unit portrays a dynamic blend of energy and centeredness. This concept is designed with a specific individual in mind: a young professional who leads a busy urban lifestyle while also having a deep connection to yoga and a strong desire for travel adventures.
This concept places a strong emphasis on finding equilibrium between urban living and a free-spirited connection to the wild. It highlights wellness, an active lifestyle, and an earthy yet sophisticated color palette. The design is rooted in natural materials and features a palette reminiscent of summer’s vibrant tones.
Two-Bedroom Model Unit
The refined and intricate concept for the two-bedroom unit at Ashlar Park focuses on enhancing the connection to nature. The concept creates an environment that resonates with an individual’s deep appreciation for the outdoors. This is achieved by incorporating natural materials and textures into the design, reflecting their affinity for the natural world.
The design is tailored to individuals who possess a timeless sense of style and a passion for entertaining, particularity through cooking, hosting gatherings, and crafting cocktails. This concept incorporates an earthy sense of zen into the design elements that will evoke a tranquil and harmonious environment.
CONSTRUCTION
Construction on Ashlar Park broke ground in Spring 2021, beginning with the removal of the abandoned hospital buildings, and regrading the site in preparation for the new development.
Careful consideration was paid to the existing Administration Building structure to ensure the existing foundations were not disturbed.
Later that year, work began on the underground garage that would eventually be covered by the central landscaped common. Over the course of the following two years, the construction team of Dellbrook | JKS, along with Arrowstreet and FoxRock, worked to bring the vision of Ashlar Park into reality.
The Harbor, wood framing, April 2022
The Woodlands, wood framing, September 2022
The Skyline, facade construction, October 2022
The Harbor, masonry and metal panel installation, July 2023
Residential Buildings
Construction of the residential buildings began in the Fall of 2021, beginning with the Harbor and Skyline buildings. On-site material mock-ups were reviewed to finalize masonry and metal panel selections and construction details.
The Administration Building
Construction efforts began with removing the dilapidated finishes and cutting away the sections of the existing concrete flooring structure to create the double height spaces found in the Pub and Club Rooms. The exterior masonry facade was repaired, new energy efficient windows were installed, and the gym addition was cladded with anodized metal panels.
The Pub, post deconstruction, July 2022
The Pub, progress, March 2023
The Club Room, railing installation, April 2023
Exterior Elevation, north facade repair, window installation, May 2023
Branding, Ashlar Park logo installation, May 2023
The Administration Building addition, anodized metal panel installation, April 2023
