From 15,000 SF Lower Basin Barracks
Boston, Massachusetts (February 1, 2023) – Boston-based Finegold Alexander Architects today announced the completion of the Lower Basin Barracks in Boston, Massachusetts. Formerly the historic Charles River Lower Locks Gate House, the 15,000-sf renovation and addition project will house the former Boston Consolidated State Police and Brighton State Police Barracks and provide space for current and anticipated mission requirements. The project team worked closely with the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and conducted extensive public outreach. The design focused on creating a public facility that appropriately balanced function and visual appeal.
Prominently located in the lower Charles River Basin, this facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and will serve as an important and only police facility in Boston. The renovation of the existing historic building included a new insulated roof, restoration of the facade, new safe and energy-efficient glazing, and a complete renovation of the interiors, including a spacious detention area, office spaces, a sunny fitness area and a dressing room. . The new addition includes a new public atrium set against the backdrop of the original historic facade with access to public restroom facilities and a multi-purpose community room. The Community Room will act as a shared space, providing a wide range of services to support the local community and their quality of life. Improving and expanding the green spaces is the focus of the design, as the site’s historic green spaces have been lost throughout its previous uses. The green space will be completed this summer.
As experts in historic preservation, Finegold Alexander was excited to tackle this historic project to breathe new life into this space. “We aimed to engage the community and Massachusetts State Police through the design, to recreate an efficient, updated space while respecting the historic identity of the building,” said Feingold Alexander Director Ellen Ansilone.
Feingold Alexander has a wide range of civic projects throughout the greater New England region, including the Lowell Justice Center, the Fall River Justice Center in Fall River, the Massachusetts State House – Governor’s Executive Offices in Boston, and the Boston City Council Chambers. The Massachusetts State Police selected Finegold Alexander to lead this project as the company’s expertise will help Lower Basin Barracks serve and provide for the community.
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Feingold Alexander Architects | We embrace context, thrive on collaboration, and work tirelessly to solve problems. In this way, we create spaces and places where communities thrive, embrace the past, and create the future. These are our core values. Together, we are limitless. Visit Finegold Alexander Architects to learn more.