Downtown Dispensary

Nestled in Boston’s financial district, is this 200+ year old gem. This Federal style building was home to a variety of mercantile businesses throughout the 1800s and operated as a restaurant and bar in its more recent years.

Captivated by its charm, a local family was determined to restore this building that had sat vacant since 2016. Though exploratory demolition exposed more expansive repairs than expected, they were committed to seeing the project through.

Level 1 Floor Plan

Level 2 Floor Plan

How Did We Achieve the Project Goals?

When restoring existing commercial buildings, accessibility requirements should be part of initial design discussions. Massachusetts requires building upgrades based upon project costs in comparison to the value of the building. Establishing your scope of work early will help anticipate modifications that may need to be made and allocate resources accordingly.
Access for persons with disabilities should always be considered in public spaces. Evaluating the building entrance for either the integration of a ramp or lift, can create equal opportunity for people of all abilities. Though unable to install an elevator at this property, a once inaccessible entrance was reworked to accommodate a low sloping ramp by regrading the existing brick in the public courtyard. On the interior of the building, the accessible ground level was designed to accommodate all products and services that may also be found on level two.
Circulation in and around a building is dictated first by code requirements and then modified where possible to respond to the specific needs of the business. In a high traffic facility like this one, where security is a primary concern, separate entry and exit vestibules were integrated into the ground level layout.
Given the already limited floor plate, we aimed to maximize the sales area while considering the flow of traffic through the vestibules and the required clearances for standing area and accessibility.
In small buildings like this one, being deliberate with the programing of each square foot will impact customer experience and sales. It made most sense that level one would be designated as grab and go for customers who either previously placed an order or intend to be quick with their decision making. Fewer floor displays and a built-in wall of glass cabinetry behind the POS counter keeps the focus on the point of sale. A central open space provides more area for a line to form and less to meander. We also incorporated a private meeting room for guests who are unable to travel up to level 2 but desire a more personalized experience.
Customers will find this slower paced environment intended for a personalized experience with a comfortable waiting nook, designated display area and ample room at each point of sale. With the primary building circulation isolated to one corner, there was opportunity to shape the space in a way that would encourage social interaction and inquiry of the products.