Multifamily affordable housing in Gloucester, Massachusetts

Designed by Bergmeyer Associates (Boston) with project team members Cape Ann Housing Authority (client, Gloucester, MA), Cutler Associates (general contractor, Worcester, MA), VIVA Consulting (project management, Newton, MA), Judith Nitsch Engineering (civil engineer, Boston), Wozny/Barbar and Associates (M/E/P engineer, Hanover, MA), Abernona Engineering (structural engineer, Winchester MA), Carol R. Johnson Associates (landscape architect, Boston), Solar Design Associates (wind/solar power consultants, Harvard), Richard Mandelkorn Photography (photographer, Lincoln, MA) and Derick Veliz (photographer, Acton, MA)

This redevelopment of an abandoned multibuilding factory complex created workforce housing—via adaptive reuse amplified by new construction—on a wonderful site with water views and great natural beauty. Nonproductive buildings on the overdeveloped site were selectively demolished to improve cross-site circulation and to offer more pond views, while the remaining wood-frame mill buildings were converted into lovely double-height living spaces. New buildings were planned only for sites of demolished buildings; existing subterranean spaces were turned into indoor parking; and the site’s former parking lot and abandoned railroad were transformed into green spaces and a courtyard, respectively. The result of this masterplan is a transit-oriented development that’s intimate in scale and rich with wonderful housing forms. We also appreciate the sensitive colors chosen for the exteriors. The design maximizes every possibility for individual unit entries and radiates civility. You would never know this is affordable housing.