Forte at 1440 Beacon Street

Project Scope

The renovation of 1440 Beacon Street in Brookline, MA, transformed the existing apartment building’s lobby area to improve functionality, aesthetics, and accessibility. The project expanded the lobby into a portion of the parking garage, making use of the available space to better serve residents. The original lobby consisted of two small management offices, a poorly lit fitness room, a mailroom, and an elevator lobby. The newly designed lobby now includes expansive windows to bring in natural light, a covered universal walkway entry, two spacious management offices, a club room with a kitchenette, a TV room, a modern fitness room, a secure mail and package room, laundry facilities, restrooms, and a pet wash station.

A significant challenge was no accessible entrance.  The only entry points were through garages up ramps suited for cars but not residents. To address this, the project incorporated universal design principles, creating an sloped walkway at the front of the building.  This exceeded ADA requirements and was accessible to everyone without requiring traditional ramps and cumbersome railings. The sloped walkway was within the front yard setback.  The walkway was approved.  However, we wanted to protect it from weather with a canopy.  Brookline’s restrictions on canopies within the setback posed an additional hurdle. The project team developed a contextually sensitive design that blended seamlessly with the building’s architecture and surrounding environment. After presenting this design to the Brookline Planning Board and Historical Commission, it was approved.  This allowed the team to implement a covered universally designed entrance way and achieve their goal of creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all residents.

Market

• Commercial
• Housing

Services

Project Data