Burberry Ltd. of London bought the shell of a building that had been gutted by fire, almost beyond repair. Only parts of the exterior walls, braced to prevent collapse, remained in place. Working on a fast –track model, the complete transformation of the five-story building was finished just eight months after the start of design, ready for opening before the major autumn retail season.
Restoration of this 19th century historic commercial block required complete rebuilding of the base building: new supporting structure, new augured pilings, reconstruction of the exterior brownstone walls, and all-new brownstone detailing. To expand the space, a fourth bay on the front façade and a new floor within the two-story mansard were added. New interiors included a complete fit-out of the retail store and office space above.
The site occupies a particularly sensitive location — on Newbury Street across from Boston Common. Particular attention was paid to reconstruction of the original structure and detailing of the new exterior. The design process was carefully reviewed by three different design commissions, two preservation boards, and the Boston Redevelopment Authority.
1990 Boston Preservation Alliance – Design Award
COMPLETED
1989
SIZE
30,000 sf
COST (1989)
$2.6 million