This project utilized cross-laminated timber (CLT) to add two stories to an existing 1920’s era brick and beam building at 69 A Street in South Boston, creating a five-story 45,000 SF building which is a hybrid of historical and new construction. Our project team navigated the complex permitting process, and the building was designed to accommodate either a single tenant or multiple tenants.

Originally the home of the Standard Rivet Company, the building was designed for industrial use with three floors and an unfinished basement. With some of the original windows – single pane with steel edging – still in place, the project team was able to reference the original architecture to guide placement for building core volumes while maximizing window opening percentages.

Sustainability

This project is LEED-certified.

Award-Winner

  • Corenet New England Awards of Excellence | Commendation for Sustainability
  • Accessible Design Award | The MA Architectural Access Board (AAB) and the Boston Society of Architects (BSA)

When health insurer BCBSMA purchased this 1980’s-era office building in 2004, the property didn’t come close to meeting current standards for workspace design and accessibility.

MP provided design services for the complete renovation of the building and site, including a new 1,300-car parking structure, on-site childcare center and cafeteria.

In addition to meeting its associates’ business needs, BCBSMA was also committed to reducing the environmental impact of the renovation project and the building’s ongoing operation.

MP was brought on by IQHQ for this building repositioning project which includes upgrades to the building infrastructure to enable demolition of the adjacent building, as well as core and shell upgrades to the first and second floors at 20 Overland Street. The scope of work includes converting the existing office building to support life sciences labs and offices.

MP partnered with BR+A to provide a new shaft space from first floor to the new rooftop equipment, new dunnage at the roof for a new lab emergency power generator with fuel oil storage in the basement, a new lab air-handling unit, and cold and warm shell coordination.

Upgrades were also made to the lobbies and entrances at both the Overland and Burlington Street building entrances to entice more foot traffic in front of the building and to connect with the future public circulation.

On the first and second floors, MP is providing design services for a 40,000 SF interior fit-out for a life sciences tenant with a 60/40 lab/office split. A connection between the lab and office is supported by glass walls, allowing a clear visual into the lab from the office. In addition, the fifth-floor space will be built out as another 10,000 SF lab and office space.