According to a report by The Construction Specifier, Arcadis IBI Group recently completed their multi-year restoration and repair project for Christian Science Plaza.
The landmark is Boston's largest privately owned, publicly accessible open space, per the city preservation website.
As reported, it merged numerous pre-existing historic buildings into a massive composition.
It was built as part of a mid-century renovation of The Mother Church and the international headquarters of The First Church of Christ, Scientist.
Renovation
According to the report, the renovation project was completed with a sustainable rebuild of one of the Plaza's key features, the Reflecting Pool.
Due to leaks into the garage below, the Reflecting Pool's condition of deterioration created an unsustainable annual loss of potable water.
The Reflecting Pool was fully disassembled as part of the renovation and repair.
This is so they could replace the garage deck roof and rebuild its basin to stop leaks in the future to conserve water.
The design team was also able to reevaluate the original pool concept.
In turn, they devised a new idea to establish extensive water management and conservation measures throughout the site.
The rebuilt pool was made shallower to complement the water management strategy, lowering its depth from 686 to 203 mm (27 to 8 in.) and slashing the water needed yearly by two-thirds.
Moreover, the Plaza was made more approachable and friendly for pedestrians from Huntington Avenue by cutting the width of the 213-m (700-ft) pool by 4.8 m (16 ft) on the southwest end.
Apart from the Reflecting Pool, improvements were also made to the public open space and environmental sustainability.
The design also elevates The Mother Church, the Plaza's main point, while restoring existing hardscape, seating, lighting, and reflecting pool components.
It also introduces a new complementing palette of materials and site furnishings that mix with the landmark's historical characteristics.
Project Background
The Plaza revitalization project was outlined around 2010.
According to the letter sent by the Chair of The Christian Science Board of Directors, Mary Trammell, the revitalization plan for the Plaza was in line with their vision to be part of Boston's history.
They aim to continue a tradition of contributing to the city's inspiration, beauty, and progress.
After having the plans set in place, the construction began around the fall of 2016.
Chief Architect and Strategist Robert Herlinger headed the said project.
Other team members included Redgate Real Estate Advisors, CRJA-IBI Group, DEW, Inc., Nitsch Engineering, and Consigli Construction, Inc.
It had three goals: enhance the open space, improve environmental sustainability, and identify opportunities for underutilized real estate.
According to the project website, the plaza's numerous open areas can benefit tourists more than they now do.
With this, they intended to establish zones and gates and improve traffic circulation around the plaza.
As part of environmental sustainability efforts, specifically on reducing waste and damage, the project aimed to address concerns with water consumption and runoff connected to the Reflecting Pool and other sections of the plaza.
The project also aimed to improve and restore existing buildings and plaza surfaces. New plaza neighbors could access these buildings' office space options.
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