Forte at 1440 Beacon Wins Massachusetts Apartment Association Communities of Excellence Award for Renovated Community of the Year
Award Recognizes Collaborative Redesign That Transformed Resident Spaces Into a Modern, Accessible Community Hub
Forte at 1440 Beacon has been honored with the Massachusetts Apartment Association (MAA) Communities of Excellence Award for Renovated Community of the Year, recognizing the transformation of its resident spaces and amenities. The Wingate Companies who manage the property, partnered with Haley Ward, Inc. to redesign and modernize the building’s primary resident areas, resulting in a more functional, welcoming, and accessible environment.
Led by Dean Temple, AIA, Vice President and Architecture Manager at Haley Ward, the architectural team reimagined the building’s original lobby, formerly a compact space with two small management offices, a dimly lit fitness room, a mailroom, and an elevator lobby. To meet the needs of residents and improve overall flow, the project expanded the lobby into a portion of the parking garage, allowing the team to take advantage of underused space and create a more cohesive resident experience.
The newly redesigned lobby features expansive windows for increased natural light, a covered walkway entry which utilizes “universal design” principles, and two modern management offices. The space now includes a club room with a kitchenette, a TV room, an upgraded fitness room, appropriately sized secure mail and package facilities, laundry rooms, restrooms, and a pet wash station.
“Our goal was to transform an outdated and segmented space into a vibrant, accessible, and multifunctional hub for residents,” said Dean Temple, AIA. “Wingate’s commitment to enhancing the resident experience made it possible to rethink the building’s potential, and we’re proud to see the project recognized by the MAA.”
Haley Ward’s architectural team provides comprehensive design solutions for public and private clients, offering services that span building assessments, renovations, planning, and new construction. The award highlights the success of Forte at 1440 Beacon’s modernization and underscores the collaborative effort between Wingate Companies and Haley Ward to elevate the living experience for residents throughout the property. This achievement was further strengthened by the contributions of key project partners, including RD Jones and Associates as Interior Designer, Ripman Associates as Lighting Designer, VAV International for MEP/FP engineering, Amolins Structural Consultants for structural engineering, and CHA Consulting for civil and landscape services.