BWA Architecture completed a Capital Improvement Plan for Truman Apartments, built in 1969. BWA was then contracted by the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) to design the modernization of the 59-unit, 8-story federally-assisted senior housing building in East Cambridge. Exterior work included over-clad of the building, replacing all windows and the roof to create a tight building envelope. Building systems were replaced with high-efficiency models.

 

Using input from staff and residents, we created design options for the one-bedroom units and common areas including a community room, TV room, community kitchen, laundry facilities, computer room and waiting areas. Site areas were enhanced to provide shaded areas for seating and barbecuing. The overarching goal of the project is to leave the building in good stead for the next 25 years.

 

Despite a tight budget, BWA achieved a high level of design aesthetics and transformed the building into a beautiful and meaningful home for the elderly and disabled tenants. The BWA team met stringent time constraints with heavy involvement during the construction administration phase, providing weekly site visits to ensure the project remained on time and within budget.