The project consists of the rehabilitation and
conversion of H.H. Richardson’s Hayden Building in downtown Boston from a five-story
office building to multi-family housing with ground floor retail. The narrow Hayden floor plates present
unique challenges to the housing program; however, the thick masonry walls and
multiplicity of windows provide ample natural light and distinctive design
opportunities. Acknowledging the
‘edges’ as the dominant feature of the existing building, the exterior walls
are accentuated and thickened with ancillary program features; thus, prompting
the residents to engage with Richardson’s newly activated brownstone
facade.