In Lawrence, MA, a worn-out building from the 1920s is getting retrofitted as part of a partnership between Somerville, MA-based Davis Square Architects (DSA), and the Greater Lawrence Action Community Council (GLCAC). 

Over the years, the building had been occupied by a bank (there’s a large vault in the basement), offices for the Lawrence Gas and Electric Company (DSA discovered glass panels with a cartoon sparkplug figure they’ve dubbed “Sparky”), and more recently, as a Methodist church.  

“The city bought it from the church in 2015, intending to use it for the school department but subsequently put it up for sale in 2017, along with the adjacent vacant lot,”  says Eric Chamberlin, one of the owners at DSA. “GLCAC bought the two properties from the City in 2018, and spent the next 18 months planning for the renovation and addition and securing funding.”

The historic building and adjacent vacant lot are being transformed into approximately 7,700 square feet of commercial space and 39 affordable rental apartments.

Windows revealed
Once the property was in their hands, DSA went to work. But, not so fast.  

One of the former owners had installed a horribly ugly metal cladding system over two sides of the building, covering all of the original brick, stone, and terra cotta panels.  

“They also covered all of the windows, and on the inside, the windows were covered by drywall and plaster,” says Chamberlin. “Until we started doing some selective demolition, we weren’t sure whether the original openings still existed or had been filled in. Luckily, the openings were still there, and we’ll be installing new windows into those existing openings.”  

The original façade was in remarkably good condition — it’s still a mystery why someone chose to cover it up.

As a mission-driven firm, DSA specializes in working with not-for-profit groups like GLCAC to help provide affordable housing for those in need. 

“Partnering with organizations like GLCAC who share our passion for affordable housing is the most effective way we can fulfill that mission. And we’re so glad that GLCAC made the decision to keep the existing building,” says Chamberlin.