Event Description

La Victoire at 25 Isabella Street is an adaptive reuse project of the former Our Lady of Victorie Church transformed into a luxury 18-unit residential development in the Bay Village neighborhood of Boston. Originally built in 1891, the adaptive reuse plan for the building retains and restores its original historic masonry exterior, with a contemporary infill set well back from Isabella Street.

Designed by Finegold Alexander Architects, a seven-story insertion of high-end condominium units is designed with complementary materials and sleek profiles, including triangular bays inspired by arched windows of the original nave. While inspired by the original architecture in this way, the addition does not mimic the existing but speaks to our own time, culture and technologies.

Together with restoration and stabilization of the historically significant structure, these interventions maintain the integrity of the neighborhood fabric. Sustainability considerations drove many parts of the design. The building is planned as an all-electric building – air source heat pumps provide for heating and cooling of the units. The envelope is designed to perform above energy code requirements. An automated parking system equipped with four EV stations and all parking spaces to be EV ready, and ample bicycle spaces are provided in a dedicated parking area below grade. The building is being developed by KEMS Corporation, a New England-based private development and construction firm known for its commitment to excellence and building working relationships with neighborhoods.

Presenters

Josephine Pena | Senior Associate at Finegold Alexander Architects

Rebecca Berry | Principal at Finegold Alexander Architects

Grant Rocco | Architect at Finegold Alexander Architects

Topic

Advancing Architecture