The seven story townhouse at
9 Commonwealth Avenue

 

was once the mirror image of the adjacent building at 7 Commonwealth Avenue.  At one point, an additional floor was inserted and the building was changed to brick and stone.  The cornice lines, the large entry, and the mansard roof were all removed.  Meyer & Meyer was committed to recapturing the spirit of the original Commonwealth Avenue façade.  The scope of work included extensive improvements to the front façade including grouping the windows to elongate the apparent proportions, enriching the stone details and the cornice lines, reviving the mansard with appropriate dormers and bay detailing, reducing the height of the elevator head house and setting it further back from the penthouse façade. Two parking spots remained on-grade at the back of the building. A new driveway ramp with a covered entry at the rear connects to the underground parking for 6 cars. A roof deck was provided for the penthouse unit, in addition to the private terrace along Commonwealth Avenue. In addition to elongating the proportions of the front façade, limestone veneer replaces the existing brick and stone cladding. The main entry, which is now minimally detailed, appropriately announces the entrance through detailing inspired by the entry at 7 Commonwealth Avenue. 

DESIGN PROCESS

“Facade Lift,” September/October 2016

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2017 Bulfinch Award
Merit Award