ISSUE 1: ISSUE 1:2017 2021
now next +next now+ Bower, the first phase of the much-anticipated new Fenway Center complex, consists of two buildings at eight and 14 stories, totaling 312 residential units and 40,000 square feet of commercial space on two levels. The transitoriented development is situated adjacent to the new Lansdowne Commuter Rail station. TAT’s design successfully reconnects and integrates both Bower buildings into the existing Fenway, Kenmore, and Longwood Medical Area neighborhoods, where 1960’s urban renewal once bifurcated the City of Boston. The two buildings are linked by a new plaza that also provides a pedestrian connection from Beacon Street to David Ortiz Drive. Both buildings include residential amenity spaces and provide roof decks with views of downtown Boston, Fenway Park, and Brookline to the west. Reflecting the project’s emphasis on forming new connections between surrounding neighborhoods, TAT also designed a pedestrian deck that now sits over the MBTA commuter rail lines and platforms, linking Beacon Street to the upper level of Lansdowne station.
A LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER It took 50 years to build the firm into what it is today. To our many employees, clients, and colleagues, we offer our heartfelt thanks. During our most difficult years, our loyal clients always supported our continued journey. We worked diligently in the face of challenges, and our client relationships grew because we were reliable, pragmatic, and agile. Our clients recognized how much TAT cares about the work we do – their voices resonated with confidence and support. We became much more than their architect; we became their sounding board, advocate, and friend. The past five decades have brought a remarkable urban resurgence for cities large and small, and as TAT reaches its 50th anniversary milestone, we’re taking the opportunity to express our gratitude, and to reflect on our foundational promise of strengthening the communities in which we work, as well as our role as a trusted advisor in that process. We continue to believe in the transformative power of architecture, and we thank our team members for their commitment to this vision. Our pledge for the next 50 years is to accelerate our efforts in creating positive change – from the development of affordable housing to the repurposing of underutilized urban assets through adaptive reuse, and the pursuit of more resilient and sustainable design solutions. Architecture can play an important role in the generation of thriving, prosperous communities. Our firm was founded with this sense of purpose, and it fills me with pride to see the creativity and dedication our team members bring to work with them every day in the pursuit of designing a better world. I am honored to witness the firm's ongoing commitment to creating places in which to work, live, learn, and grow. As we chart a course for the future together with expanded leadership, clients, collaborators, and partners, encouraging fresh perspectives and creative solutions will continue to be central to our approach – and I am excited to see what emerges.
Gratefully, Bob Verrier, FAIA, NCARB, Founder
Bob Verrier, 1963
TAT’s office, the historic Naval Commandant’s quarters on Admiral’s Hill in Chelsea, MA
THE ARCHITECTURAL TEAM
HISTORY
at a glance
1991
1971
Building 34 is one of six historic buildings transformed by TAT in the Charlestown Navy Yard.
Four architects launch the newly formed design firm, Boston Architectural Team.
1980 The conversion of RH Stearns.
1983
The restoration of the Samuel Kelsey Apartments in Washington, D.C.
1985
Boston Architectural Team changes the firm’s name to The Architectural Team (TAT).
1987 The nation’s first conversion of an electrical power plant into residential use, San Marco Condominiums.
2003
The Gerald and Darlene Jordan Boys & Girls Club is honored with three design awards and is featured on the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s “Building Services” website as a design prototype.
1999
Architectural Record recognizes Lafayette Place with A Neighborhood Restored Award.
1982 The conversion of a trolley car garage into The Car Barn. The design earns three design awards.
1972 The rehabilitation of 25 19th century contiguous bowfront buildings representing the first turn-key rehabilitation project by the Boston Housing Authority.
1988
President Ronald Reagan presents Bob Verrier with the National Historic Preservation Award for the firm’s conversion of the former Walter Baker Chocolate Factory.
2001 Building 114 is converted into an award-winning, state-of-the-art biomedical research laboratory for Partners Healthcare.
1986
J. Timothy Anderson Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation from the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association for The Apartments at Boott Mills.
2008
new Academic and Performance Center at Curry College.
1996 1984
2006
The firm’s largest waterfront development to date, Battery Wharf, opens its doors. Completion of the
West End Place, a new mixed-use TOD development, earns an award by the American Institute of Architects.
Laurelmead, an award-winning senior residential community.
LEED Silver Certified, Bourne Mill Apartments receives the J. Timothy Anderson Award for Best Historic Rehabilitation.
The Metropolitan, a new 23-story mixed-use development located in the heart of Chinatown.
2004
The former Boston Police Station Headquarters is converted into the awardwinning Back Bay Hotel.
Mass Mental Health Center, a mixed-use clinical, research, and residential development located in Boston’s Longwood Medical area.
2007 The Carruth is the first state-funded transit-oriented development completed in Massachusetts.
2010 Robert Verrier is honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Affordable Housing Design by Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston.
1999
Commercial Wharf, a historic mixeduse residential and commercial development.
2013
2010
2004
1988 1999
2008
2021
2017 2011 A catalyst for reinvestment in Dorchester, The Salvation Army’s Ray + Joan Kroc Community Center is New England’s largest social service center. The final chapter of the Baker Chocolate Factory redevelopment is completed.
2013
The Kensington, a luxury LEED Gold Certified 27-story mixed-use tower. Firm completes Phase I of the LEED Platinum Certified, award-winning The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony in South Boston.
Artful restoration of the LEED Certifiable Residences at Mill 10 into senior living.
2015 Lovejoy Wharf transformed into Converse Headquarters. The transformative mixeduse development, Harbor Place, is complete. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Livingston School is thoughtfully restored and converted into a mixed-income senior living community.
Redevelopment of Uphams Crossing provides workforce housing and permanent affordable housing for formerly homeless families.
Robert Verrier elected to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows.
2019 The awardwinning Treadmark, a sustainable mixed-use building. Historic conversion of a jewelry factory into Sterling Lofts.
Yarn Works receives the Preservation Award from Massachusetts Historical Commission.
2018 NextCorps, part of the 1M square foot Sibley Building in downtown Rochester, N.Y.
2016
2012
TAT Interiors launches.
2014
Loft Five50 receives three awards, including the Grand Winner Project of the Year Award for Adaptive Reuse.
Environmental Business Council of New England grants Clippership Wharf with the EBEE Award, recognizing it as the Climate Change Project of the Year.
Bower, the initial phase of the Fenway Center development, is Boston’s first residential complex to utilize View dynamic glazing.
Residences at Brighton Marine is one of the largest veterans’ developments nationwide, and the first complex of its scale to open in Boston since World War II.
The Architectural Team celebrates its 50th anniversary, completing 155,000+ units, adapting 300+ historic developments, and receiving 200+ design excellence awards. The Archer Residences combines two existing buildings in Boston’s historic Beacon Hill neighborhood and showcases the minimal nature of Mid-century Modern design. TAT converts the landmark Worcester County Courthouse into multifamily housing.
100 Shawmut integrates an existing six-story brick warehouse structure with a contemporary addition to create a 138 unit luxury condominium.
2020 Four new principals named as part of TAT’s leadership team.
Redevelopment and master plan of the former 18-acre Symmes Hospital Campus is transformed into Arlington 360 – a new award-winning market rate multifamily community. 2021
2020
2015
2020
2016
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
From city to sanctuary, Bower was designed on the premise that people want —and need— a connection to nature. Bower residents benefit from a thoughtful approach to amenity programming, space planning, and interior design with an emphasis on health, well-being, and a connection to natural environments. Both buildings offer large, landscaped roof decks with expansive views, multiple seating areas, and heating features that allow for year-round use. Reflecting the Fitweloriented approach, interiors and amenity spaces place a premium on natural light, the use of wood, stone, and other natural materials, and sightlines to
other destinations within the property. A highlight of this design vision is the glass-enclosed atrium on the 14th-floor in Tower 2, known as the Impluvium. Defined by its central skylight and atmosphere of openness, this is Bower’s flagship indoor amenity space, and it features stonework and greenery that create a calming sense of connection to nature. The skylight also illuminates this atrium while encouraging activity and movement by offering direct views onto the roof deck one level above.
BOWER STANDS AMONG THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INFILL DEVELOPMENTS BOSTON HAS SEEN IN A GENERATION, AND IT IS A VALUABLE EXAMPLE FOR OTHER CITIES AND SITES WHERE TANGIBLE QUALITY-OF-LIFE BENEFITS TO RESIDENTS AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE ARE THE CRUX OF IMPROVING THEIR URBAN EXPERIENCE. SITTING AT A MAJOR URBAN CROSSROADS AND INVOLVING A PARTNERSHIP OF SEVERAL OF THE NATION’S MOST TALENTED AND DEDICATED DEVELOPERS, THIS IS TRULY A LIFETIME PROJECT FOR THE ENTIRE TEAM.” Clients: The Green Cities Company, Meredith Management, and Nuveen | Interior Design: Planeta Design Group | Photographer: Ed Wonsek
— Jay Szymanski, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Principal
+fyi
The first multifamily complex in Boston to utilize View dynamic glazing, Bower is both LEED Gold Certified and Fitwel Certified – a standard that includes evidence-based design and operational strategies that optimize occupant health and productivity. Clients: The Green Cities Company, Meredith Management, and Nuveen Photographer: Ed Wonsek