Project overview: This mixed use affordable senior development is woven into its dense urban context to knit the neighborhood together. The bar building with articulated massing acknowledges the diverse scale of surrounding construction. Ground floor community spaces step down to a café along the street, orchestrated to create a sense of openness.
Project location: Boston, Massachusetts
Firm name: Abacus Architects + Planners
Project type: Affordable Senior Housing and Community Facilities
Project information: New construction
Jury comments: The jury’s reaction to this project was entirely positive. The only point of criticism, found in virtually all the project submittals, was the absence of glass manifestation for visually impaired persons. The project is integrated beautifully within the surrounding neighborhood and is easily navigable for residents and visitors alike. Although relatively expensive to build, this project still manages to provide entirely affordable housing. The jury greatly appreciated the fine attention to detail: the bright yellow staircase for wayfinding, the taupe kitchen cabinets in contrast with the white appliances to help orient oneself, the hallway handrails that transformed into shelving, among many other gestures. Clear care was given to the residents and the overall neighborhood and was elegantly executed in the design process. For these reasons, the jury awards Weinberg House with the Honor Award as well as the Private Residential Award.
