BWA Architecture was selected by the Brookline Housing Authority (BHA) to assist with renovations of a 10-story high-rise, 100 one-bedroom unit building for elderly and disabled residents under the HUD RAD program. 61 Park Street, formerly known as Arthur O’Shea House, is the first of the BHA’s senior housing renovation projects that we completed.

 

The goals for the project were to improve the livability, comfort, and energy efficiency of the building. Resident comfort was improved by providing a new air-sourced heat pump system (heating and cooling). Kitchens, baths and common area upgrades included universal design concepts such as pull-down shelves, adjustable breakfast bars in the kitchens and additional blocking installed at all bathrooms to allow for the installation of grab bars.

 

BWA replaced all the first-floor storefront windows and created an opening from the community room to a new deck space for residents. Since the building was partially occupied throughout construction, BHA elected to proceed with the work under Chapter 149A Construction Manager at Risk. BWA has found this process invaluable during construction documents process.