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	Josiah Smith Tavern and Old Library The Josiah Smith Tavern, built in 1757, and the Old Library, built in 1900, are two historically significant structures in the heart of Weston. The Tavern had been underutilized and the Old Library had been unoccupied since a new public library was constructed. The first phase of the plan was to relocate the Tavern’s current occupants, the Weston Historical Society and the Weston Women’s Community League to a newly renovated Old Library. The second phase was to restore the Tavern to its original use as a restaurant and bar. The building would continue to be owned by the Town and leased to a private restaurant operator. A kitchen addition was proposed for the rear of the building, where it would not have a public presence. The design was approved by Historic New England, which holds deed restrictions on the property. Other significant design and technical challenges facing this project were providing adequate on-site parking for restaurant patrons and a new on-site septic system to serve both buildings. Select a view Front | Function | Tap
	North Brookfield Town Hall Listed in a National Register of Historic Places, this Civil War era wood structure is immeasurably significant to the Town’s history and community. Due to serious structural deterioration, the building was declared unsafe for occupancy and town offices were relocated off-site into temporary trailers. As emergency structural repairs were being addressed separately, a study was commissioned to identify other deficiencies. An evaluation of existing building conditions was conducted, a space program was developed, and three renovation schemes were proposed. The selected renovation plan includes a small addition at the rear of the building.
	Harvard Senior Housing With a shortage of affordable housing, the Harvard Housing Authority (HHA) envisioned developing a town-owned parcel near the center of town for senior living. This study explored a full range of configurations for 12 one bedroom units on a 1.3 acre sloping lot, from six duplexes to a single two story building. In the end, HHA opted for two 1½ story structures that took advantage of the existing topography. Each small apartment building, with its common entry and corridors, would provide the tenants with a sense of community and safety.
	Fitchburg City Hall With a failing cooling tower and an antiquated handicapped lift, City Hall needed, at a minimum, to address the issues of accessibility and air conditioning. Recognizing that these were not the only problems the building had, the City commissioned a study to explore long range solutions. Suffering from a minimal budget for capital expenditures, the building had fallen into considerable disrepair. In addition, the building itself, with its additions and multiple floor levels, was inherently difficult to efficiently plan and utilize. The facility, including its associated 2–story parking structure, was fully assessed and a number of alternative master plans were developed. The building committee preferred the proposal to construct a new City Hall and parking structure on the existing site. Concerned that the Main Street façade has sentimental value for the public, the Mayor requested that the front of the existing building be preserved.
	Sparrell and Osborne Buildings Through a town vote, the architecturally distinctive Sparrell School was overwhelmingly identified as an important building to preserve and re-use. At the same time, the town offices were utilizing the old Osborne School, an outdated utilitarian structure that had never been properly converted to office use. The study examined the feasibility of renovating the Sparrell School building to house the town offices and the School Department’s administrative offices. As an alternative, the unused third floor of the Osborne building was planned for the School Department offices.
Briggs Elementary School As enrollment steadily grew through the years, the Briggs Elementary School in Ashburnham tried to keep up, with an addition in the 1980’s and modular classrooms that have become permanent. Additional classrooms and better and larger support facilities are still required. Although well maintained, the building’s major components were starting to reach the end of their life spans. The study explored the feasibility of renovating and adding on to the existing single story building. The resulting plan suffered from inefficiencies of a sprawling configuration. The recommended solution was a new multi-story structure. This would allow the school to continue operating.
Squannacook Hall A beloved historical building in West Groton, the structure was originally built as a fire station with a meeting hall on the second floor. Through the years, it has been home to the Council on Aging, the Recreation Department, the Boy Scouts, and various other community groups. Before deterioration continued unchecked, the Town commissioned this study to identify the improvements needed to make the building usable for town functions. A number of design options were proposed. The preferred option added an elevator, a second egress stairway, and handicapped accessible toilet rooms within the existing building envelope, while respecting the original architectural style.
Buddy Dog Humane Society After 25 years, the Buddy Dog Humane Society was bursting at the seams of its original building. With a failing septic system, totally inadequate veterinary facilities, overcrowding everywhere, the Board of Directors determined a new building would better meet the needs of the animals and serve the public. The building’s footprint was limited by a very narrow site, the only possible location for the septic system, and the location of wetland areas. The design aimed to preserve the shelter’s homey image while almost doubling its functional space. Current developments in shelter design were incorporated into the building to provide the healthiest and safest environment for the animals, to facilitate the care of the animals by staff, and to support the pet adoption and surrender processes.
Southborough Integrated Community Center The first step and most immediate need identified in Southborough's Municipal Facilities Plan was a new Integrated Community Center that includes town offices and the Senior Center. Located in the picturesque and historical town center, the building was designed to be sympathetic to its many institutional neighbors. The 85 on-site parking spaces were hidden from view behind the building. The 18,000 square foot building design consisted of 10,500 square feet for Senior Center use exclusively, 5,000 square feet of town office, and a 2,500 square foot shared community meeting hall. Separately controlled entrances for these functions were planned to maintain security and allow after-hours use of the large meeting room.

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