Chestnut Hill Center

Chestnut Hill, MA

This 20,000 SF renovation and addition project is a residence for 12 priests and professional lay people, as well as an educational center providing Christian formation and career programs for high school men. Located in historic Chestnut Hill, MA, the expanded and renovated center features a new oratory (private chapel), library, dining room, reception hall and private sleeping quarters and baths for residents. A new commercial-grade kitchen, laundry room, storage, and preparation areas support the services of the administration and housekeeping staff. The design program for the new addition includes classroom and meeting space for the educational programs, as well as improvements to the existing basement area for additional meeting rooms and offices. A new HVAC system with a unified outdoor chiller, emergency generator system, and sprinkler system provide state-of-the-art mechanical and fire protections systems, and a new elevator provides handicap access to all levels of the building. The 3.14-acre site has been entirely upgraded with new trees, plantings and ground cover, new primary and service driveways and parking areas, walkways and private courtyards with hardscape and planted landscaping. Located within the Chestnut Hill Historic District, the project required close collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission during the development and refinement of the exterior design.