CambridgeSeven celebrates the topping off of The Foundry project

Cambridge, MA Architecture and design firm CambridgeSeven, along with contractor W.T. Rich, celebrated placement of the final steel beam on The Foundry, slated to open in 2022. Located at the intersection of the East Cambridge neighborhood and the Kendall Sq. Innovation District, this unique 19^th century industrial building is being transformed by CambridgeSeven into a new destination for visual and performing arts, entrepreneurship, technology and workforce education.

“We are thrilled to observe another milestone for The Foundry,” said Justin Crane, AIA, associate principal at CambridgeSeven. “We believe in fostering excitement through design and are honored to help create a new destination that supports creative ventures while preserving space for arts and culture that will benefit our community.”

CambridgeSeven was hired by the city as master planner, architect, historic preservation architect, interior designer and graphic designer to transform this historic industrial building that has seen many uses, including the Blake and Knowles Steam Pump Company, a mid-century taxi barn, and office space. The firm inserted structural steel and a decorative metal-clad addition into an historic masonry shell to create a playful and productive synergy between new and old. A sculptural entry leads visitors through an intimate portal and into the soaring interior atrium space, which features the original, heavy timber roof structure. This new Community Hall is enhanced with warm wood detailing and supergraphics that make the former manufactory a welcoming, delightful, and inspiring community space.

When completed, The Foundry will help facilitate access for residents, especially underrepresented communities and adjacent neighborhoods, to enjoy a wide variety of activities from performing artists and craftspeople to entrepreneurs and students.

CambridgeSeven was formed by seven ambitious architects, designers and artists who created a partnership born of a sense of doing what’s right not only for their clients, but for public spaces. More than half a century later, their firm is a collection of thinkers and problem solvers who work together, in concert, under the guidance of its principals.