Design Update
Since the development team’s initial proposal to redevelop the Armory was accepted by the City of Newton, we have heard feedback from many stakeholders about how to improve the design. We are now pleased to present a design revision which aims to:
Improve accessibility for the public and residents;
Soften the historic headhouse to make it more inviting;
Improve the relationship between the headhouse and the new addition.
The new design will be on view at a public open house on July 25th.
What We Changed
Significant changes to the site and building design include:
Building Height and Accessibility - The height of the new construction building has been lowered by approximately five feet. This reduces the scale of the addition and brings it into harmony with the historic headhouse. It also enables the lobby, private courtyard, and first floor of the residential building to be at sidewalk-level. This significantly enhances the accessibility of the building by eliminating ramps and lifts.
Front Entrance – We heard from several groups that the front entrance to the headhouse was imposing and uninviting. Furthermore, the Washington Street entrance made site circulation confusing. We are proposing to remove the front steps and to replace them with a balcony accessed from the interior historic exhibit space. This approach features the historic entryway while reducing confusion about the lobby location.
West Patio – We reduced the size of the raised patio to the west of community room in the headhouse. This will reduce the visual impact of the patio and project costs while maintaining adequate gathering space for residents.
Roof Deck – Roof access that was formerly envisioned on the new structure has been moved to the roof of the headhouse.
Massing and exterior design – The new design emphasizes horizontal lines carried from the headhouse and introduces a masonry form similar in scale to the headhouse, which minimizes the visual impact of the four-story structure.
