ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge designs 95,000 s/f Tufts Univ. addition

Representatives from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, Shawmut Design and Construction and Tufts' students celebrated the "sky breaking" ceremony that marked the start of a five-story, 95,000 s/f vertical addition on top of an existing 10-story building in Chinatown. ARC provided the design and programming services and serves as the architect for the $64 million project at One Kneeland St. "Sky breaking ceremonies are a rare event in Boston," said Rob Quigley, AIA, a principal at ARC who is leading the design team for the project. "We're very excited to be part of this significant expansion, which will better position the Dental School to deliver on its mission of service." The original building for Tufts University School of Dental Medicine was envisioned in 1972 to be a 16-story structure; however, the building plan was revised to construct only 10 floors. ARC's design, which adds five additional floors, includes two new clinical patient floors, an expanded simulation lab and teaching facilities for students, as well as a continuing education conference center and administrative offices. The expansion and renovation is designed to integrate contemporary forms and materials with the framework of the existing pre-cast concrete building. The new vertical addition adheres to the modular order of the original building while introducing new textures and forms that balance the elements of the existing building and create a new overall image for the Dental School. As part of Boston's mandate for sustainable design, ARC is designing the addition and renovation with the goal of LEED certification. Representatives from a number of organizations and institutions attended the sky breaking ceremony. They included John Palmieri, director, Boston Redevelopment Authority; university trustees Mark Hirsh, Kathy O'Loughlin and Tom Winkler; dental board of overseers; Jess Kane, chair of the dental campaign; and members of the Chinatown community and Tufts University administration, staff, students and alumni. Shawmut Design and Construction is the construction manager on the project, which is scheduled for completion in 2010.