Restoration, Preservation
and Innovation on Beacon Hill.

It’s not unusual for a contractor to conceal a construction project with scaffolding covered in black scrim. Unless you’re obsessed with excavators, jackhammers, and saws, not many are interested in seeing the inner workings of a building site.

But what do you do if you’re undertaking an ambitious five-story restoration in one of Boston’s most historic and visible neighborhoods, that’s rooted in the kind of preservation and innovation that will take the next three years to complete? Certainly, a scaffold with dreary black scrim would mar the view of this quintessential part of Beacon Hill, just blocks from the Massachusetts State House. This was no ordinary problem, so our team to had to get both inventive and creative. The solution? Producing a full-scale replica of the residence’s façade to be used as scaffolding, which looks so realistic that a view from the Boston Common — directly across the street — makes the building appear untouched. This unique idea transforms a visual disruption into a seamless extension of the streetscape, allowing the iconic beauty of Beacon Street to remain, even while it’s under construction.

Since this street is heavily traveled by both residents and tourists, it was important to pay careful attention to the pedestrian experience, as well. Which is why we took care to design a covered walkway, allowing for safe passage, and featuring painted finishes and integrated kick lighting that softly illuminates the path at night.

Our team worked diligently and successfully to make a construction zone in one of Boston’s most prominent neighborhoods, feel polished and welcoming, while maintaining its beauty and continuity.