Worcester
Square

Worcester Square

Historic Renovation: Former Apartments

The eight buildings that comprised this project were once-glorious Victorian-era residences built in 1895 as part of Boston’s South End Worcester Square Historic District. The buildings had been converted to apartments over the years and had fallen into disrepair due to deferred maintenance and neglect.

Working within the historic guidelines of the Boston Landmarks Commission, ACS restored the penthouse facades to their original design including several missing mansards, and upgraded and organized the interior spaces. To take advantage of light and views, ACS opened up common areas and organized the interior for efficient use of services to improve functionality. Within tight site constraints, three of the buildings required structural masonry walls to be shored up and replaced. All eight buildings included roof decks that featured dramatic skyline views with access from the penthouse units.

Client

Worcester Square Investors, LLC

Use

Residential Condominiums

Location

Boston, MA

Size

40 units from 950sf-2220sf

Project Photos

Windows and Entrance

The brackets of the door hood and matching pediments over the windows were restored by a specialized mason who worked with our team and The Boston Landmarks Commission's review. photo by: Unknown

West-facing Mansard Penthouse level

Following Boston Landmarks Commission guidelines, our team removed the open decks created in the 70's and faithfully restored these bays. photo by: Jay Mason

Doorway and steps

Large stone steps bring you up to the Piano Nobile or main level which sits above a two-story "basement" unit. Note elaborate cornice which was restored in kind. photo by: Jay Mason

Door and Brownstone Surround with ornamental plaster brackets

One of eight large doorways- note the restored period mahogony doors. Ornamental plaster work on door hood re-crafted with rubber molds fashioned from on-site castings. photo by: Jay Mason

Central Garden

A tree lined path creates an outdoor haven close to home. photo by: Jay Mason

Central Garden

A bronze statue punctuates the central garden. photo by: Jay Mason

Bow front condominiums with mansard roofs restored

Our three buildings on this side required a restoration of the mansard which had been removed in the 1970's and replaced with a recessed open deck. photo by: Jay Mason

View down the tree-lined sidewalk

Street trees and greenery abound in Worcester Square. Bow-fronted brownstone and brick residences circa 1870's. photo by: Jay Mason

Roof top deck

Large decks over each penthouse unit, with stunning views and ample space. They provide a great escape into the outdoors in the heart of the city. photo by: Jay Mason

Steps and Entrance

Note the rusticated base of the building provides an interesting contract to the delicate gardens. photo by: Unknown

Balcony view

The middle level units have reconstructed full balconies with views of the city and the sunken gardens, below. photo by: Unknown

Penthouse Unit

Custom designed ships' ladder brings you up to the roof-top decks thru an 8' hydraulically opened skylight. photo by: Jay Mason

Bathroom

A glass shower door gives a view to the beautiful stone tile and helps the three quarter bath feel even larger. photo by: Unknown

Upper Level Office

A brick panel warms up the office and the door to the balcony offers an escape to the outdoors. photo by: Unknown

Upper Level Kitchen

Rich textures and materials make the kitchen feel warm and welcoming. photo by: Unknown

Lower Level Dining

A recessed shelving unit makes great use of the space over the projecting foundation walls. photo by: Unknown

Galley Kitchen

A functional kitchen opens up to the living room and hallways. photo by: Unknown

Lower Level Sitting Area

Recessed lighting and open floor plans help the lower levels feel airy and bright. photo by: Unknown

Lower Level Unit

Open concept living, dining and kitchen. Photo by: Unknown

Upper floor kitchen and dining room

Removing walls opened the floor plans to help the units feel spacious and bright. photo by: Unknown

Upper floor living room

Contemporary furnishings contrast with the recessed brick panel which highlights the historic context. photo by: Unknown

First Floor Living Rooms

Tall ceilings and large windows give the first floor living rooms a grand feel. photo by: Unknown

Full Bathroom

Rich materials line the large bathrooms. photo by: Unknown

Kitchen in Lower Level Unit

The kitchens boast beautiful materials and fixtures. photo by: Unknown

Lower Level Patios

Sunken patios with stone retaining walls frame peaceful sitting areas adjacent to the alley parking area. photo by: Unknown

Lower Level Dining Room

Recessed lighting provides ample light and allows the ceilings to feel open. photo by: Unknown

Common entrance hall and stairs

The hallways provides a welcoming area, note the exposed brick on the stairs. photo by: Unknown

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